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Hiking in extreme heat endangers rescue crews, Phoenix Fire Department warns

heat hiking sign
Annika Cline/KJZZ
Phoenix Parks and Recreation has signs at some trails to educate hikers about hiking safety.

The Phoenix Fire Department is reminding the public to adhere to hiking trail closures amid this late-season heat wave.

The department rescued an adult hiker who became overheated on Camelback Mountain Wednesday afternoon. The high temperature was 108 degrees and an excessive heat warning was in effect Wednesday.

The excessive heat warning remains in effect through Sunday evening. Temperatures up to 110 degrees are expected and the National Weather Service warns of health risks for most people.

During these warnings, major city hiking trails, including Camelback Mountain's Echo and Cholla Trails and all trails associated with Piestewa Peak Trailhead in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, are closed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"If you do ignore those [closures] and you do get into trouble, you’re not only putting yourself in danger, you’re putting the firefighters in danger, too," said Phoenix Fire Capt. Todd Keller.

The fire department reports the rescued hiker was airlifted from the trail and transported to a hospital, where she was in stable condition.

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Katherine Davis-Young is a senior field correspondent reporting on a variety of issues, including public health and climate change.