News Summary
Phoenix Fire crews were busy over the weekend responding to multiple rescue operations on local mountains due to extreme heat, which reached 114°F. Rescues included aiding hikers with heat-related injuries and exhaustion on Camelback Mountain, South Mountain, and Black Mountain Preserve. Firefighters also assisted a group experiencing heat exhaustion, while additional incidents involved rescuing a paraglider and addressing safety concerns about hiking in extreme temperatures. City officials urged public adherence to safety guidelines to prevent further emergencies.
Phoenix Fire Crews Conduct Multiple Rescues on Local Mountains Amid Extreme Heat
Phoenix experienced a busy rescue weekend as fire crews responded to multiple incidents on local mountains due to extreme heat conditions, which reached a high of 114°F. Rescuers aided several hikers suffering from various heat-related issues, including injuries and exhaustion.
Morning Rescues on Camelback Mountain and South Mountain
On Saturday morning, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Phoenix Fire technical rescue crews were called to Echo Canyon Trail at Camelback Mountain. A woman was found suffering from a knee injury and was later reported to be dizzy and overheated. Fire crews used a big wheel stretcher to assist her in descending the mountain safely. She was transported to a local hospital where her condition was stabilized.
While the rescue on Camelback Mountain was ongoing, another team was dispatched to South Mountain, where a man was suffering from heat-related injuries. Firefighters provided vital cooling measures on the trail before using a big wheel stretcher to help him down as well. Like the woman from Camelback Mountain, the man was transported to the hospital in stable condition.
Additional Rescues and Heat-Related Incidents
In addition to the rescue operations at Camelback and South Mountains, fire crews responded to a third incident at Black Mountain Preserve, where a man became too exhausted to continue down the trail. His condition did not warrant hospital transport, as he refused assistance.
On a separate note, in Tempe, another hiker was able to self-evacuate down the trail before rescuers arrived. However, a rescue operation involving a paraglider trapped on a power line at North Mountain did take place. Fortunately, this paraglider sustained no serious injuries during the incident.
In yet another case at South Mountain, a group consisting of five adults and six children experienced heat exhaustion. Firefighters aided the group with cooling techniques and utilized a big wheel basket to assist the children off the Holbert Trail. Thankfully, none of the group members required hospital transport.
Safety Measures and Park Closures
Due to the excessive heat, multiple trails in the Phoenix area were closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Signs indicating these closures were posted across various trails to ensure the safety of hikers. Violating park rules by entering closed areas may result in a Class 1 misdemeanor, including fines for offenders. However, city officials have indicated they were prioritizing public safety and rescuing individuals over the issuance of citations during rescue operations.
Additional incidents over the weekend included the rescue of a 55-year-old hiker from Dreamy Draw Park after he suffered from heat exhaustion. Similar to previous cases, emergency responders transported him to a hospital in stable condition.
Community Warnings and Advice
As this weekend’s events unfolded, Phoenix City Councilmember Kesha Hodge Washington emphasized the risks associated with hiking in extreme heat. Officials urged the public to adhere to safety guidelines to prevent further emergencies.
The extreme heat and its impact on local hikers have raised concerns among city officials, with a focus on enhancing public education regarding safety measures when engaging in outdoor activities during peak temperature days.
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Additional Resources
- 12 News
- ABC15
- AZ Family
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- USA Today
- Wikipedia: Hiking
- Google Search: mountain rescue
- Google Scholar: mountain rescue operations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hiking
- Google News: mountain rescue phoenix
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
