Children and Hikers Rescued from Phoenix Trails as Extreme Heat Triggers Multiple Emergencies

A series of mountain rescues unfolded across the Phoenix area on Sunday as sweltering heat pushed temperatures to a scorching 114 degrees, triggering an Extreme Heat Warning and overwhelming outdoor enthusiasts on several popular hiking trails. Fire crews responded to multiple emergency calls throughout the day, including the dramatic rescue of children on South Mountain, a stranded paraglider on North Mountain, and a distressed hiker at Dreamy Draw Park.

The first rescue took place early in the morning around 6:30 a.m. at North Mountain, where a paraglider crashed into a power pole, damaging the line and becoming entangled in it. The man managed to free himself from his harness and climb to a rock ledge, where he awaited assistance. Fire crews were able to help him down safely. Miraculously, he sustained no serious injuries, despite the dangerous situation and proximity to live electrical equipment.

Later in the morning, a far more complex rescue operation was launched at South Mountain’s Holbert Trail, which had been officially closed due to the dangerous heat levels. Despite clearly posted signs warning of trail closures, a group of five adults and six children began hiking around 10 a.m. Roughly two hours into their trek, several children began experiencing heat exhaustion and were unable to continue. Fire crews located the group and implemented rapid cooling techniques to stabilize them. Two of the children, aged 9 and 11, were unable to walk and had to be evacuated using a big wheel rescue basket. Thankfully, all eleven hikers were safely assisted off the mountain, and none required hospitalization.

Rescue teams were also dispatched to Dreamy Draw Park, where a 55-year-old man began hiking around 8 a.m. and later became overwhelmed by the heat. Fire officials reported he was suffering from exhaustion and had to be helped down from the trail. He was taken to a hospital for evaluation and was reported to be in stable condition.

In response to the dangerously high temperatures, city officials enforced trail closures from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. across several Phoenix-area parks, including parts of South Mountain. These closures are part of an ongoing effort to prevent heat-related emergencies as Arizona faces relentless summer conditions.

Authorities continue to urge residents and visitors to avoid outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, especially in mountainous areas where shade is scarce and elevation can increase the risk of dehydration and fatigue. Fire crews reminded the public that even experienced hikers are vulnerable in such extreme temperatures and that trail closure signs are there to save lives, not inconvenience adventurers.

As the heat wave persists, Phoenix residents are being asked to remain indoors, stay hydrated, and report any signs of heat-related illness immediately. Sunday’s rescues serve as a sobering reminder of just how quickly extreme heat can turn a casual hike into a life-threatening emergency.