Overview
- Phoenix firefighters found a woman about halfway up Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon who had a core temperature above 104°F, received cold‑water immersion, was hoisted off by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office helicopter Fox 1, and was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
- The National Weather Service warned that a strong high‑pressure ridge will push daytime temperatures above 110°F, prompting the region’s Extreme Heat Warning and First Alert Weather Days.
- The City of Phoenix will close Camelback’s Echo Canyon and Cholla trails, Piestewa Peak Summit Trail and associated routes, and several South Mountain trails Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the Extreme Heat Warning is in effect.
- Fire and city officials urged hikers to avoid peak heat hours, drink about one liter of water per hour when hiking in extreme heat, wear light breathable clothing and sun protection, and stay on marked trails so rescuers can reach them.
- City officials say more than 200 hikers are rescued from desert and mountain parks each year, and the new closures are meant to reduce life‑threatening emergencies and ease pressure on rescue teams that must use hoists and cold‑water immersion for severe cases.