Riverside County Fire Rescues Four Hikers from Ladder Canyon Amid Extreme Heat

The Riverside County Fire Department is urging the public to take precautions during this weekend’s high temperatures, especially those planning to hike. According to Cal Fire, crews responded Thursday afternoon to reports of general weakness among four hikers in the Ladder Canyon area east of Mecca. The hikers were part of a larger group of eight. With assistance from the California Highway Patrol, rescuers airlifted the four individuals to safety around 3:30 p.m. Officials said the hikers declined further medical treatment after being flown out of the area.