25 People SAVED – Stunning Rescue Operation Completed!
(ConservativeHub.com) – The Coronado National Forest in Arizona announced a rescue of stranded hikers on August 13. High waters made crossings in Bear Canyon impassable, leaving 21 adults and four children stuck. Luckily, personnel from various search and rescue teams, fire stations, and the Coronado National Forest assisted with getting the individuals to safety.
The rescue operation involved firetrucks parking in low waters and extending their ladders over the crossing. The trapped hikers were able to walk across the makeshift bridges. A firefighter carried one of the children, an infant, to safety. One person suffered a sprained ankle, but that was the only reported injury.
Arizona firefighters rescue 25 people during intense canyon flooding https://t.co/AtNDL2iM7O pic.twitter.com/4iZMPgyzQC
— New York Post (@nypost) August 18, 2022
Officials said the waters were moving at 3,000 CFS; safe crossing conditions are at 300 CFS or less. Due to a flash flood warning in Tucson, the Coronado National Forest Service issued a warning asking people to evacuate the Upper Sabino Canyon on August 12.
🚨Flash flood potential
We are advising visitors to leave the Upper Sabino Canyon. The NWS Tucson is issuing a weather warning for the area. Marshall Gulch is currently running above the 8ft mark. The Crawler will be switching to their high water tour for the day. pic.twitter.com/21yyrwAvx9
— Coronado NF (@CoronadoNF) August 12, 2022
Heavy storms in the area brought torrential rainfall leading to the incident on the 13th. Arizona is nearing the end of its monsoon season, which runs from June to September. After the rescue, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department warned others to avoid all water crossing during these months.
Thanks to @TucsonFireDept for their assistance. During monsoon season it is best to avoid water crossings. Water can rise quickly from rain on Mt Lemmon. You could be stranded for several hours if you choose to cross water. @PimaSheriff https://t.co/WKOVn3bSRK
— PCSD Search and Rescue (@PCSD_SAR) August 13, 2022
In monsoon areas, the National Weather Service website suggests people avoid flood-prone locations like stream beds, arroyos, culverts and ditches and climb to higher ground. It also discourages people from driving into water, particularly if they’re unsure how deep it is.
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