Latest news with #RobMcDade
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Family of 11 rescued on closed South Mountain trail due to heat
The Brief Phoenix Fire crews rescued a family of 11 on a South Mountain Trail on Sunday afternoon. The family was two hours into the hike when they called 911 because some of the kids were too hot and tired to continue. The fire department says the trail was closed due to extreme heat. PHOENIX - A family of 11, including several kids, were rescued off a South Mountain hiking trail on Sunday afternoon. Phoenix Fire says the trail was closed for the day due to extreme heat warnings. What we know The family began their hike around 10 a.m. on June 29 on the Holbert Trail, which is 2.56 miles. Two hours in, the heat started to get to some of the kids, and they weren't able to continue on. "At that point in time, 911 was dispatched. A tactical rescue crew arrived on scene and made their way up the Holbert Trail. Once contact was made with the hiking group, rapid cooling was applied to the hikers. Members of the technical rescue team put a nine and 11-year-old in the big wheel basket & brought them back down to the base of the mountain. Rescuers assisted the rest of the group down as well," said Phoenix Fire Capt. Rob McDade. There were a total of five adults and six kids. No injuries were reported. "The Holbert Trail is closed today as one of the several trails on South Mountain are closed on extreme heat days. There were numerous signs posted stating that the trail was closed for hiking activity," Capt. McDade said. Dig deeper On March 27, the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board approved the Holbert Trail, Mormon Trail, Hau'pal Loop Trail and access to the National Trail from the Pima Canyon Trailhead to be closed on days when the National Weather Service issues an extreme heat warning. The closures are in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. "In total, more than 100 miles of trails on South Mountain will remain accessible to hikers, with fewer than 7 miles subject to restrictions during Extreme Heat Warnings," the Parks and Recreation Department says on its website. "It's really inexcusable, really, if you're going to put a child's life in that danger," Capt. McDade said. "We always have a sense of urgency, but I think there was an exceptional amount. It's something to be a firefighter or a rescuer, and you get a report saying we have five children that are experiencing heat a quarter of a mile up on one of the hottest days of the year so far. Nothing surprises you. It disappoints you." The Phoenix Police Department has not issued any charges or citations. FOX 10 is awaiting comment from Phoenix Parks and Recreation rangers, who oversee the trails. Map of where the Holbert Trail is
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Arizona fire departments preparing residents on how to prevent wildfires from destroying their homes
The Brief Fire departments across the Valley are on high alert after the wildfires ravaged the Southern California coast earlier this year. Preventative measures are being shared with homeowners to prevent similar events in Arizona. Wildfire season typically starts in May in Arizona. PHOENIX - The upcoming summer heat and the recent Los Angeles wildfires are two reasons why Valley fire departments are on high alert. They're asking residents to help protect people and property. What they're saying Arizona's traditional wildfire season begins in May, so this is the perfect time for fire departments to preach preparedness and ask for homeowners to do their part. With memories of the Los Angeles wildfires from the not-so-distant past and another scorching desert summer on the horizon, many Valley residents are on edge and asking all kinds of questions. "What water resource do you use for the hydrants? Is potable water? It grey water? And where does it come from?" "How do we find out what our emergency access is and how do we get out of there in an emergency." "Does the Scottsdale Fire Department have any interaction at all with the insurance industry to help mitigate their concerns." What we know The Scottsdale Fire Department hosted a town hall this week to offer tips and tackle concerns. They showed maps, before and after photos, but mostly tried to calm fears by showing the homework they've done on learning about wildfire prevention. "You saw the slide earlier showing 72 brushfires last year in 2024. Seven of those were construction related," said Kristi Gagnon, a Fire Marshal with Scottsdale Fire Department. Why you should care The big ask from fire departments is to create a defensible space and it's pretty simple: Remove trees, plants, brush and debris away from your home, preferably at least 15 feet to give firefighters a fighting chance. The Phoenix Fire Department's Community Risk Reduction Plan shows 41,000 acres are at risk of wildfires, areas they know very well. "I think in light of the destruction we've seen across the country and other areas, we need to look at how much land it is and where it is and how do we attack it?" said Phoenix Fire Captain Rob McDade. Dig deeper After L.A., a new emphasis was placed on 911 calls this summer. Even small brush fires will bring a big response. "We like to say we can always turn trucks around, but waiting for them is the position we never want to be in. We're sending the cavalry," McDade says.
