Hiker dies, 2nd in critical condition after heat emergency

Posted: Jun 20, 2021 / 07:56 PM PDT

Updated: Jun 20, 2021 / 07:57 PM PDT

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BORREGO SPRINGS, Calif. (CNS) – One hiker died and another was in critical condition after requiring a rescue on Palm Canyon Trail in Borrego Springs amid extreme desert heat early Sunday afternoon.

It was so hot, a firefighter also required rescuing, Cal Fire San Diego confirmed to FOX 5.

The evacuation operation began around 12:40 p.m. Saturday, when the low-humidity heat rose to about 115 degrees. Worsening matters, the canyon walls trap in the heat, creating hot-box conditions in some places.

Authorities say the hikers were in distress and in need of rescue, but one of them succumbed to a heat-related illness and was declared dead at the scene. The other hiker was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

A Borrego Springs firefighter collapsed in the heat attempting rescuing the hikers, Cal Fire said. That firefighter is expected to recover.