Should there be a 'stupid hiker' law? Recent rescues prove costly

PHOENIX - The temperature may exceed 100 degrees, but that doesn't stop many hikers from taking to trails around the Valley.

"I'm up here everyday, but I'm also prepared and I prepare for my hike well in advance," said Phoenix resident Lee Thomason after walking off a trail at Camelback Mountain.

Thomason and others who regularly hike the trails do more than get exercise, they say they keep a close eye on others, especially those who aren't prepared for a hike.

"I've seen it all," said Thomason. "Some people use this time of year to try to get into shape and actually have no clue what they're in for."

"I'm looking around at some of these people and they just have to stop and I'll ask them if they're ok, and they're like, 'I should have brought more water,'" said Moriah Manoloff before starting off on her own hike up Camelback Mountain.

Over the weekend, crews from the Phoenix Fire Department rescued eight over-heated hikers from Camelback Mountain.

According to records obtained by ABC15, the mountain rescues made by the Phoenix Fire Department are not cheap.  The documents show the average cost of a rescue to be $7,462.42 and that does not include the use of a helicopter, which could add several hundred dollars to the figure.

"It's astounding, the rescues cost too much and actually put some firemen at risk too," said Thomason.

"That's a lot of money," said hiker Brian Bell.

According to the same records request, the Phoenix Fire Department responded to 125 mountain rescues in 2008, 160 mountain rescues in 2009, and so far this year it has responded to 93 mountain rescues.

ABC15 asked several hikers if they felt a "stupid hiker" law was needed due to the cost and increase in rescues.

"Oh I think they do need it (law)," said Thomason.

"I'm a believer in not having the taxpayers pay for people being ignorant," said Phoenix resident Dave Grounds. "I'm also not for having more laws though."

"I don't think there should be a stupid hiker law," said Manoloff.  "It's their job right, they're working anyway."

Most hikers did agree more education was necessary.

"There needs to be signs warning people that if you get into trouble because you went off the trail or didn't prepare you could pay," said Brian Bell.  "Hotels also need to warn their visitors of the dangers before they are dropped off a trail."