PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Saturday was a busy day for emergency response crews in the Valley who responded to four separate mountain rescues — some due to medical emergencies — during above-average temperatures.
Phoenix firefighters closed Echo Canyon Trail at Camelback Mountain around 2 p.m. as they responded to a hiker who hurt her leg.
Phoenix Fire said crews made a steep angle rescue with a rope system to lower the hiker down the mountain. That woman was taken to the hospital in stable condition.
Busy rescue day on the mountains
The Camelback Mountain rescue was the fourth hiker rescue of the day across the Valley.
Around 8:30 a.m., Phoenix Fire crews were called to a hiker experiencing a medical emergency and in need of rescue from South Mountain. That hiker was safely taken off the mountain with a big wheel rescue, and she was hospitalized in stable condition.
Around 10:30 a.m., crews responded to a woman who needed rescuing from Piestewa Peak due to a medical emergency. She was also rescued with a big wheel stretcher and hospitalized in stable condition, according to Phoenix Fire.
Also on Saturday morning, Scottsdale firefighters helped rescue a woman from Pinnacle Peak after she reported feeling dizzy.
Scottdale firefighters assist an injured hiker at Pinnacle Peak.(Scottsdale Fire Department)Dealing with the heat
These rescues come just after Maricopa County officials confirmed the county’s first heat-related death of 2026.
Austin Davis with AZ Hugs, a homeless outreach group in the Valley, says they’ve been working overtime this year.
“The heat has come much quicker than it has in the past.” Davis said. “We have to adjust our model for this change in weather. Well, I mean, we had an emergency warning in March when it was 106. At that time, you know, local groups like ours, mutual aid groups mobilized small projects to, you know, pop up cooling centers.”
In February, the Phoenix City Council passed a plan to change access to cooling centers. The Cholla Library is now open until 9 p.m. on weekdays and expanded hours on Sundays from noon to 9 p.m.
Davis said while these are good steps, more still needs to be done.
“I know a lot of folks that have been trespassed from libraries, and if that is the only option for where that person can seek respite during the day, that person is in a lot of trouble,” he said.
His foundation is calling on Gov. Katie Hobbs to declare a state of emergency, saying lives are on the line.
According to heat response officials, more than 400 people died of heat-related causes in Maricopa County last year. Davis fears with all the triple-digit days already, it could be a long and hot summer.
Hiking in Arizona
The Scottsdale Fire Department provided several tips for anyone looking to hike in Arizona during hot weather:
Stay Hydrated
- Bring more water than you think you’ll need (at least 1 liter per hour in extreme heat).
- Start hydrating before your hike—don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
- Electrolyte drinks or tablets can help replace salts lost through sweat.
Know the Warning Signs
- Dizziness, nausea, headache, and confusion can be early signs of heat-related illness.
- Stop hiking immediately, find shade, and cool down if symptoms appear.
Stay on Marked Trails
- Leaving the trail increases your risk of getting lost or exposed to more difficult terrain and heat.
Carry a Fully Charged Cell Phone
- Ensure your phone is fully charged before heading out.
- Consider bringing a portable battery pack.
- Cell service may be limited, but a phone can still be critical for emergency calls.
Time Your Hike Wisely
- Avoid peak heat hours (10 AM – 4 PM).
- Start early in the morning or near sunset when temperatures are lower.
Dress for the Heat
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brim hat.
- Use sunscreen to prevent burns, which can worsen dehydration.
See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it.
Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description.
Copyright 2026 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.