PHOENIX — Fire crews have been called to conduct multiple mountain rescues amid extreme heat in the Valley on Sunday, including one involving multiple children.
North Mountain
The first incident occurred at North Mountain around 6:30 a.m. when fire crews were called to rescue a paraglider who was stuck on a power line.
The paraglider, only identified as a man, reportedly struck and damaged a power pole. The man was able to climb out of his harness and onto a rock before crews assisted him down the mountain.
He did not suffer any serious injuries.
South Mountain
In a separate incident before noon, fire crews were called to South Mountain for reports of multiple hikers in distress.
Fire officials say five adults and six children started a hike on Holbert Trail around 10 a.m. About two hours into their hike, multiple children started to complain of heat and exhaustion and were unable to continue.
Mountain rescue crews responded to their location and used “rapid cooling” techniques to help the hikers before using a “big wheel basket” to get a 9-year-old and an 11-year-old down the trail.
All of the hikers were assisted off the mountain, and no one required transport to the hospital for treatment.
Holbert Trail is one of the trails included in the trail closure.
"There were numerous signs posted stating that the trail was closed for hiking activity," Phoenix Fire officials say.
Dreamy Draw Park
A third mountain rescue was conducted at Dreamy Draw Park.
Phoenix Fire officials say a 55-year-old hiker who started a hike around 8 a.m. had to be helped down from the mountain after suffering from exhaustion on one of the trails. The man was taken to a hospital in stable condition for treatment.
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Phoenix reached a high of 114º on Sunday, and an Extreme Heat Warning is in effect.
It is against city code if people enter parks when they’re closed. Those found in violation of that can face a Class 1 misdemeanor and face a fine of at least $50 and at least 8 hours of community service.
Phoenix Fire Captain Rob McDade said there were at least three signs on the trail saying that it was closed.
Phoenix Police told ABC15 that they did not respond to the call as it was a medical/rescue call, therefore a citation was not issued on their end.
However, park rangers with the City of Phoenix can issue citations as well.
ABC15 reached out to the City of Phoenix’s Parks and Recreation department for information on whether the family was cited for illegally entering the park when it is closed.
The city provided the following statement:
During any emergency, the City of Phoenix’s top priority is public safety – for our residents, visitors and first responders. During yesterday’s South Mountain incident, no citations were issued at the time, the City’s focus was on the health and safety of the individuals at risk.
While the City retains the authority to cite individuals for entering a closed park or trail [phoenix.municipal.codes], health and safety is the priority during an emergency rescue. The objective is to get individuals safely off the mountain and connected to medical care as quickly as possible. No one should ever be deterred from calling for help out of concern for receiving a citation. If someone is in distress, please call 911 immediately – safety is what matters most.
As we move through the hottest time of the year in Phoenix, we ask the public to partner with us: avoid restricted trails, hike before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m., and help keep yourself and others safe by following Take a Hike. Do it Right. [phoenix.gov] hiking safety guidelines.
City Councilmember Kesha Hodge Washington, in District 8, which covers part of South Mountain, sent ABC15 a statement in response to the dangerous rescue:
“This past weekend’s mountain rescues are a stark reminder that heat does not discriminate, and hiking in extreme heat is incredibly dangerous, especially for children and inexperienced hikers,” District 8 Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington said. “The toughest trails at South Mountain are closed during extreme heat to protect hikers and first responders tasked with difficulty technical rescues. I encourage all residents to hike early in the morning before the sun comes up, follow the trail rules that are in place for a reason, or find an indoor activity that is not susceptible to deadly heat.”
Make sure you are staying hydrated, limiting your time outside during the afternoon heat, and wearing breathable clothing.
If you need to be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade and reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
Never leave children or pets in vehicles, and bring your pets inside during the heat of the day, too.
