Coconino County Search And Rescue Was Busy With Several Incidents In The Past Week

Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue responded to several incidents in the past week. Two of the rescues involved hikers who suffered from heat related illness. Another mission was the second of the day Thursday, which involved two hikers in West Fork of Oak Creek, who had planned to hike from Woody Mountain Road to State Route 89A in the canyon. On the second day of their trip they had become wet and cold and decided to get out of the canyon by scrambling up the south side of the canyon down from Casner Cabin Draw. They became stranded on a ledge and couldn’t continue up or down. They got a hold of a relative using a satellite text messaging device. Search and rescue were able to find the hikers, but it was determined a DPS Air Rescue helicopter would be needed to get them out. They were lifted out and taken to safety. Hikers in that area need to be prepared with adequate equipment and clothing for the conditions. There are very few mid-canyon exit options in West Fork of Oak Creek.