Phoenix Fire Responds To 4 Heat-Related Emergencies Within Hours

Published: Sunday, July 22, 2018 - 12:43pm
Updated: Monday, July 23, 2018 - 8:02am
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The Phoenix Fire Department is reminding hikers to be extra cautious as the weather heats up again this week. Fire crews were called out to four separate rescues before 11 a.m. on Sunday morning.

The calls for heat-related emergencies came from Camelback Mountain, South Mountain and two other areas within just a few hours. Fire Capt. Jake Van Hook says hikers should only take on what they know they can handle.

“During the course of a couple of hours to have four rescues that’s maybe a bit above normal,” he said. “Folks maybe are visiting from out of town or they feel like ‘I’m pretty well conditioned.’ They don’t realize as we approach these higher temperatures, those morning hours just take more of a toll on you. ”  

Van Hook says it’s important to bring plenty of water and get outside before it’s too hot.

“As we get into next week where we’re talking about 115, 117 in the early part of the week, obviously it’s super important for people if they’re going to get outside and hike, do it early,” Van Hook said. “It’s best to get up super early when the sun comes up, get outside while it’s the coolest part of the day.”