The Phoenix firefighters union wants city officials to shutter two hiking trails during extreme heat days, when thermometers exceed 105 degrees.
P.J. Dean of the United Phoenix Firefighters Association says it can be dangerous for crews to rescue hikers on Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak at such high temperatures.
“They require the most technical aspect of our rescues, so our proposal is simply to restrict access on those trails anytime we have extreme temperatures in excess of 105 degrees,” Dean said.
Two firefighters were hospitalized last month after conducting multiple rescue operations on those trails in one day. Dean said another 10 were sent home in the middle of their shift while suffering from heat-related issues.
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board will consider the proposal at a hearing on Tuesday afternoon.
