13 people rescued after they got lost on Arizona hiking trail amid high heat

Thirteen people in the United States (US) were rescued after they got loston an Arizona hiking trail during high heat on Friday (July 27), American media reported. In a Facebook post, the Scottsdale Fire Department said that the group, who was in town for a family reunion,started hiking the Gateway Loop Trail in Scottsdale on Friday at 7.30 am local time.

The department said that its personnel were dispatched at 10.06 am for a mountain rescue.The family was located off the trail in a wash under a tree several miles in the -trail. Scottsdale paramedics treated a 10-year-old, who was hoisted off the trail and transported to a local children’s hospital for evaluation,the department added.

More than 65 firefighters involved in rescue op

The fire department said that its technical crewsremoved a 12-month-old and an 18-month-old off the trail, using a UTV and transported them with heat exhaustion symptoms to a local hospital.

"The crews also used a big wheel operation, to remove an adult female from the trail. This incident went to a 1st Alarm Medical and over 65 firefighters to rescue these hikers from the trail," the statement added.

According to a report by ABC News,Scottsdale Fire Capt. Dave Folio told reporters that the hikerswere off the trail and were running out of water. Folio pointed out that the group fortunately "called early" for assistance once they got into trouble.

Heat warning issued for area

On Friday, an excessive heat warning was issued for the area, with temperatures expected to reach 108 degrees Fahrenheit.

"We want people to come out and enjoy our trails.We take a lot of pride in our trails and keeping them safe," Folio told reporters and urgedthat hikers should stay on the trail and get off it early before temperatures rise.

(With inputs from agencies)