Firefighters respond to three mountain rescues across the valley

The heat caused some problems for firefighters this Sunday. There have already been several calls from hikers overtaken by the heat.

Temperatures were over 106 today, breaking a 70-year-old record. However, the triple digit weather didn't stop multiple people from hiking, which is not the safest or smartest thing to do.

"Quite frankly if it's over 100 degrees you really shouldn't be on the trails in the middle of the afternoon," said Rob McDade, a Phoenix Fire Captain.

Not one, but three mountain rescues were made on Sunday across the valley for heat exhaustion.

Two women in their 20s visiting from Minnesota called for help on Camelback Mountain. Fire crews had to rehydrate them before heading down the mountain.

"They had the right hiking shoes and water. They were prepared. What they weren't prepared for was the heat. They overextended themselves," McDade said.

McDade says he's seen an uptick in mountain rescues and he has a message for those who think they can handle the heat.

"When it's 105, you're probably not conditioned enough to do the trail. So our advice to them is to do it early in the morning and make that hike ao one hour hike," McDade said.

But Fox 10 managed to find someone who successfully hiked Piestewa Peak while it was 104 in the middle of the afternoon.

"You don't have any water on you?"

"I had half a gallon before I started," said Simon McAuley.

McAuley has lived in Arizona for 22 years and hikes usually every day, even in the summer. And he wasn't the only one at the top today.

"You'll see two very fit women on their way down here shortly. They hike all the time as well," McAuley said.

But he says it's not just about being in good shape. One has to get accustomed to the heat, and if you're not, he recommends staying indoors.

"Don't do it. Yeah if you haven't been doing this, this is not the time of year to start in my opinion," McAuley said.