PHOENIX — UPDATE: A Phoenix spokesperson said Wednesday that the discussion regarding when dogs will be allowed on trails has been removed from Thursday's meeting schedule. The spokesperson said they will be taking extra time to address data regarding dogs on trails with animal welfare groups in the meantime.
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Phoenix officials are set to discuss extended closures on hiking trails during Excessive Heat Warnings this week.
A Phoenix Parks and Recreation meeting plan for Aug. 31 says officials are proposing the closure of Phoenix trails between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. when the National Weather Service issues Excessive Heat Warnings.
Currently, Phoenix trails are shut down from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Excessive Heat Warning days from May through September.
"It's very dangerous," said Captain Scott Douglas with the Phoenix Fire Department. Douglas says the department is in support of expanding the trail closures on days it is excessively hot out.
RELATED: City of Phoenix trails close more in July 2023 than all of 2022 due to excessive heat
Additionally, officials will discuss lowering the temperature threshold for when dogs are allowed on trails.
Currently, dogs are not allowed on Phoenix trails when it reaches 100º, but that could potentially change to 90º.
According to the document, rescue crews have so far conducted 22 rescues this summer at closed Phoenix locations. They have also responded to rescues involving dogs, including at least one when a dog has died.
These are changes Phoenix Fire says could save many lives."Preventing the loss of life is the ultimate goal we seek to achieve," said Captain Douglas.
"They're also putting first responders at risk. Firefighters and their tactical rescue teams at risk who sometimes have to climb and hike the mountain multiple times to rescue them," said Adam Waltz, with Phoenix Parks and Recreation.
Hikers we heard from, like Colin Voss and Chandler Frerking, seemed to be on board.
"If they just want people off the trail as it gets really hot because it's dangerous due to sprained ankles, getting injured and you’re stuck up there in the middle of the day, that makes sense to me," said Voss. Frerking adds she especially thinks these restrictions would help those who are not used to hiking in this heat. "I hear always coming in and being like, I just died on this hike because they had no idea. Yeah, I think that would be a good idea because people don't know,” Frerking told ABC15.
More than 500 people were polled about the proposed trail closure changes with 59% of Phoenix residents in favor of an extended closure. More than 63% of Phoenix residents were also in favor of making the trail closures a year-round program, not just during summer months.
RELATED: Volunteer civilian mountain rescue teams help keep Maricopa County safe
