Phoenix Fire Department

Phoenix Fire Technical Rescue Teams during a hiker rescue at Piestewa Peak in March 2019.

It’s that time of year again. Wildflowers are blooming, hikers are hiking — and 911-rescue calls are ringing through to the Phoenix Fire Department.

Some hikers overestimate their ability and need the help of mountain rescue teams to get down trails.

Phoenix Fire Captain Jake Van Hook says knowing the difficulty of a trail plays a key role and “that you’ve been honest with yourself, that you can handle that type of a trail. For instance, Camelback Mountain, as I just mentioned, both of the popular trails on there, they’re rated as extremely difficult.”

Van Hook says hikers should wear the right footwear and clothing, bring enough water and stick to the designated trails.