Hiker Dies In Extreme Heat, Another in Critical Condition

BORREGO SPRINGS, CA — A hiker died amid 115-degree heat in Borrego Springs on Sunday, another hiker was rescued in critical condition, and a firefighter collapsed during the rescue attempt amid extreme conditions.

The hikers became overwhelmed by the heat on Palm Canyon Trail in Borrego Springs shortly after noon, according to Cal Fire San Diego spokesman Capt. Frank LoCoco. The canyon walls trap in the heat, creating hot-box conditions in some places where the temperatures can climb even higher, according to authorities.

It was so hot that a firefighter also required rescuing, LoCoco said.

The evacuation operation began around 12:40 p.m. Saturday, when the low-humidity heat rose to about 115 degrees.

"Two hikers were in distress and needed rescue, unfortunately, one of those hikers succumbed to that heat illness and was declared deceased at the scene and the other was transported to the hospital in critical condition," LoCoco told CBS8.

The condition of the firefighter who collapsed during the rescue effort was not released.

"We still also can succumb to the heat, so we are rigorously trying to maintain hydration," LoCoco said.

Authorities are reminding people to take heat advisories seriously and know the signs of heat exhaustion.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Cool, moist skin with goosebumps when in the heat
• Heavy sweating
• Faintness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Low blood pressure upon standing
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Headache

Anyone experiencing such symptoms should immediately stop all activity, rest, hydrate and get to a cooler place, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The city of Poway advises planning ahead when hiking in hot weather and taking the following steps:

• Pay attention to weather forecasts.
• Hike early in the day; avoid the most intense sun.
• Keep clothing loose and light.
• Wear a hat.
• Choose shoes appropriate for the terrain.
• Use (and pack) sunscreen.
• Carry your cell phone in case of an emergency.
• Don’t hike alone.
• Start the hydration process before you go out. Begin to hydrate a couple of hours before you hit the trail.
• Drink frequently. Carry plenty of water for yourself and your dog. Instead of guzzling a bunch of water all at once, take smaller and more frequent drinks of water. Once you’re halfway through your water supply, turn around.
• Cold water is best. Your body will process cold water more quickly. Fill up your water bottle or hydration system with ice to keep water cool for as long as possible while you’re out.
• Take breaks. Forget about setting any personal bests. Stop more frequently and for a longer duration than you would on a cooler day.
• Look for shade. Get out of the sun as much as you can, both on breaks and on the trail. Especially when the sun is lower in the sky, portions of the trail may be shaded by trees or slopes.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.