PHOENIX — Memorial Day's triple-digit temperatures didn't keep people from Arizona's hiking trails.
Valley fire departments warn as the temperature increases, so do calls for mountain rescues.
“We’re out here more frequently for folks that can be overcome by heat and the environment," Scottsdale Fire Department Deputy Chief Andy McDonald said.
More than 200 hikers need to be rescued in the City of Phoenix every year.
Most recently, on Monday, a 34-year-old woman needed to be rescued by helicopter from Tom's Thumb trailhead in Scottsdale after she fell more than 30 feet. She was wearing a helmet but was seriously hurt.
Phoenix Fire Department Captain Todd Keller said most rescues are for people who go hiking during the hottest parts of the day.
"It's going to sneak up on you," Keller said.
Or sometimes for people who don't wear the right shoes while hiking.
“There’s some slick parts in there and if you don’t have the proper footwear, you will injure yourself," Keller said.
Keller said people should hike before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
“If you’re not picking the right time to hike, you’re not only putting yourself in danger, you’re putting our first responders, our firefighters, our TRT members in danger, also," Keller said.
Keller said hikers should bring a fully charged cell phone and a friend.
“If you aren’t hiking with someone, at least tell someone where you’re going," Keller said.
The fire captain recommends everyone bring a full bottle of water on a hike. When the bottle is halfway gone, hikers should turn around and head back.
The City of Phoenix closes its hiking trails to dogs when it reaches 100 degrees.
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