Leaving kids and pets in hot cars can be deadly ‎

PHOENIX - With temps soaring, law enforcement and fire officials are reminding Valley residents never to leave children and pets inside cars.

“We are in the beginning of the most dangerous time of the year here in the valley,” said Phoenix Fire Deputy Chief Frank Salomon.

Salomon adds it’s always the same excuse and the consequences can be deadly.

"Just for a few minutes…we hear it all the time,” Salomon said.

Dr. Kevin Foster of the Arizona Burn Center at Maricopa Medical Center said their cases of kids with heat exhausting increase over the summer.

"The interior of a car on a hot Arizona day…the temperature can rise to 150 to 160 degrees,” Salomon said.

In a demonstration with a thermometer, firefighters showed how quickly the temperature can go from 120 to 140 degrees.

"Our emergency animal medical technicians see these every year,” said Bretta Nelson of the Arizona Humane Society.

Nelson said it’s a big problem with the pet population.

Earlier this week, they rescued four huskies puppies that were left inside the car.

"We just need to help educate the community on what could happen to their pets and that they will be held accountable,” Nelson said.

The Phoenix Fire Department is teaming up with QT stores by placing stickers that remind people not to leave kids or pets inside a hot car.

"Leaving a child in a car, a hot car is neglect,” said Phoenix Police Officer James Holmes. “It's child abuse. And you can be charged for that.”

That goes for leaving animals in a hot car, he said.

"Let's pay attention. Let's come together. And let's stop these negligent and abusive acts that we're doing for our children and for our pets,” Holmes said.