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Scottsdale Fire Department using drones to aid in hiker rescues

Scottsdale fire crews rescued three hikers on Saturday, including one man who had to be hospitalized.

According to Fire Department Captain Dave Folio, many see the decrease in excessive heat as a potential cause for people staying out longer.

The rescues come as the Scottsdale Fire Department has begun using drones to aid in rescue efforts.

“It’s all about safety for us and usually drones just give us a technical advantage and an option to get to them quickly and change our plan,” he said.

These drones are capable of bringing water and communicating with hikers in an emergency. They can also mark coordinates for the purpose of a helicopter rescue.

Ignacio Ventura is a reporter for KJZZ. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and a minor in news media and society.