In a stark reminder of the dangers of outdoor activities in extreme heat, three hikers were rescued from Camelback Mountain's Echo Canyon Trail just before noon on Saturday. The Phoenix Fire Department reported that a woman became dizzy and overheated about a quarter of the way up the mountain, and firefighters had to use a 'Big Wheel' stretcher to carry her off the trail. While they were wrapping up this rescue, they received reports of two other hikers who had become ill on the trail, and a Phoenix Firebird helicopter was called in to assist. One woman was carried off the trail in a Big Wheel, while a man was airlifted off the mountain and taken to a hospital, with their conditions remaining unknown.
This incident comes a day before an Extreme Heat Warning is set to take effect, issued by the National Weather Service. The warning will be in place from 10 a.m. on Sunday through 8 p.m. on Monday, and during this time, the city of Phoenix restricts access to several popular hiking areas, including Camelback Mountain Preserve, Phoenix Mountains Preserve, and South Mountain Park and Preserve. It's a crucial reminder that moms planning to spend Mother's Day outdoors may need to make other plans or take extra precautions.
The Phoenix Fire Department's Captain Todd Keller emphasized the risks hikers pose not only to themselves but also to their firefighters and first responders. He urged hikers to consider the impact of their actions on others, especially in extreme heat conditions. The high temperatures on Sunday are expected to reach around 106 degrees, and First Alert Weather Days have been declared from Saturday through Monday due to the extreme heat.
To stay safe during outdoor activities in hot weather, officials recommend several precautions. These include hiking in the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower and there is more shade, dressing appropriately with proper shoes, clothing, a hat, and sunscreen, bringing plenty of water and hydrating the night before, staying connected with a cellphone, hiking with others, and knowing your limits to avoid pushing yourself beyond what you can handle. By taking these steps, hikers can minimize the risks associated with extreme heat and ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
