Phoenix technical-rescue crews were back on the rocks at Camelback Mountain on Saturday afternoon, working a mountain rescue that the city’s fire department said was already their third such call of the day. A public information officer was on scene while firefighters moved to secure the patient.
technical rescue crews are working the third mountain rescue of the day. This current rescue is at camelback mountain. The PIO is on scene and will update as information comes in.
— Phoenix Fire Dept. (@PHXFire) April 11, 2026
Phoenix Fire Confirms Third Camelback Rescue
According to the Phoenix Fire Department, technical rescue teams were handling their third mountain rescue of the day on Camelback Mountain. The department said a PIO was on site to provide updates and that crews were actively engaged in the operation while details were still being gathered. The post was published on Saturday.
Recent Calls Have Kept Crews Busy
Camelback is among Phoenix’s busiest preserves, and crews have dealt with several complicated extractions in recent weeks. As reported in mid March, operations included two helicopter hoists and multiple carries off the Echo Canyon trail in a single day, when firefighters had to airlift trio of stranded hikers.
Trail Closures and Heat Risks
The City of Phoenix tracks mountain rescue calls and enforces trail restrictions on Excessive Heat Warning days, with its Trails and Heat Safety materials noting that Echo Canyon and Cholla are periodically closed to cut down on rescues. Per the City of Phoenix, those closures and public messaging are intended to reduce heat-related incidents that strain rescue teams.
How Rescues Are Carried Out
Phoenix technical-rescue teams rely on rope systems, the single-wheeled “big wheel” litter, and short-haul helicopter hoists when terrain or a patient’s condition makes a standard carryout too risky. As reported by ABC15, recent operations have included helicopter hoists to move injured hikers to waiting ambulances.
Phoenix Fire said a PIO was on scene and promised further updates, and officials continue to ask hikers to check trail status and follow heat-safety guidance before heading up. We will monitor official channels and update this story when Phoenix Fire releases more information.
