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Phoenix Fire Department makes 3 mountain rescues in 1 day

Despite the weather cooling down for the weekend, the Phoenix Fire Department rescued three hikers on Saturday who suffered injuries and dehydration.

Phoenix firefighters had to assist an injured hiker on a trail on South Mountain. Farther north on Camelback Mountain, a woman suffered a leg injury and had to be airlifted. Also in north Phoenix on Lookout Mountain, a rescue team had to take a hiker to the bottom of a trail on a stretcher due to an injury.

The department said rules remain applicable even without the intensity of summer heat.

Fire Captain Rob McDade said weather conditions continue to remain dangerous despite the winter season.

“You absolutely can get dehydrated right now even. Even though … it’s cooler, we still live in the Southwest. That sun is still very hot when you’re out in it," he said. 

McDade advised people to dress appropriately and wear good shoes if going out to hike. He also warned against hiking off trails.

Associated Press contributed to this report.

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.