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Phoenix to Consider Closing Hiking Trails in Extreme Heat

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In this June 22, 2016 file photo, a sign warning of extreme heat is seen on a trailhead at Piestewa Peak in Phoenix. Thirty-one of the country’s top science organizations are telling Congress that global warming is real, a problem and something needs to be done about it. The science groups, which represent millions of scientists, sent the letter Tuesday, June 28, 2016, saying the severity of climate change is increasing and will get worse faster in coming decades. Photo: Matt York, AP

The city of Phoenix is considering closing its popular hiking and biking trails when temperatures get dangerously high in an effort to prevent heat deaths and injuries.

The Parks and Recreation board will consider a proposal by staff on Thursday to close down the city's 41 trailheads in extreme heat.

Parks and Recreation spokesman Gregg Bach said the department is proposing to post signs that indicate the trails are closed for people when the temperature hits 110 degrees and for pets when it hits 100.

Bach said staff started seriously considering the proposal in the past week, after there were several rescues and at least one death within city limits. A 28-year-old fitness instructor died after being rescued while mountain biking on June 19 in Phoenix during a record-breaking 118-degree day. Six people in Arizona died that day of heat-related causes, including two German men who were visiting Tucson and went on a hike

Phoenix to Consider Closing Hiking Trails in Extreme Heat

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