PHOENIX (AZFamily)<\/b> \u2014 Extreme heat is bringing trail closures to Phoenix, but fire responders say some hikers are not following the rules, putting rescuers at risk when emergency calls come in.<\/p>\n
Under the Phoenix Trail Heat Safety Program<\/a>, restrictions and closures take effect during extreme heat.<\/p>\n Certain popular hiking trails, including Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak and parts of South Mountain, are closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during extreme heat warnings to protect hikers and first responders.<\/p>\n Mountain rescues increase<\/p>\n Phoenix Fire has responded to almost 80 mountain rescues so far this year, according to department leaders.<\/p>\n Department leaders said that is a 50% increase from this time last year. Fire officials expect the number to keep increasing as summer continues, including calls involving people who hike when a trail is closed and then call 911.<\/p>\n Right now, violating closure signs can result in fines or community service.<\/p>\n Some Phoenix Fire officials said it is frustrating when people ignore \u201cClosed Trail\u201d signs, but emphasized that rescuers will respond to every call.<\/p>\n Parks board meeting scheduled<\/p>\n Arizona\u2019s Family reached out to the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board to ask whether there have been talks about creating stricter policies to hold hikers accountable.<\/p>\n The board said it is meeting this week, but that topic is not on the agenda.<\/p>\n Arizona\u2019s Family also requested an interview with members of the board to ask when the last citation was issued and to discuss the issue. The board has not responded.<\/p>\n The next Parks and Recreation Board meeting is Thursday night.<\/p>\n See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it<\/a>.<\/p>\n