6 hikers rescued from Franklin Mountain State Park
Six hikers were rescued from Franklin Mountain State Park Monday night after they could not descend from a trail and called 911.
El Paso Fire Department’s Combined Search and Rescue team arrived on the scene at about 9:12 p.m. and made contact with the six hikers at about 9:50 p.m.
Firefighters escorted the hikers down from the Ron Coleman trail and brought them down at about 10:02 p.m.
The hikers and ComSAR personnel were not injured.
A total of 5 units and 7 personnel from the El Paso Fire Department responded to this incident. Texas Parks and Wildlife Police and El Paso Police assisted in this incident.
The El Paso Fire Department and Texas Parks and Wildlife would like to remind the public to practice these safety recommendations when planning outdoor hiking/biking activities.
• Plan before you go. Know rules and regulations. Also, do not hike beyond your capabilities.
• Stay on the trail always. Walking off-trail increases your chance of suffering an injury, getting lost, or encountering dangerous wildlife. In addition, desert soils are fragile. Cutting across switchbacks tramples vegetation, erodes the soil and eventually destroys the trail.
• Have a cell or mobile phone for emergencies, but do not rely on them only. Carry with you a whistle, mirror, flag, flashlight, flare or other means to signal your location.
• Be aware of the types of wildlife in the area by searching the web or calling the ranger station.
• Take plenty of drinking water (more than you may think you will need) and light snacks.
• Check weather conditions and wear proper clothing accordingly. Avoid doing activities during extreme temperatures. Seek shelter in the event of strong winds and thunderstorms.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Use sunblock lotion, wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants, and use a cap or hat.
For a list of more detailed hiking, biking and camping tips, the public is encouraged to visit: http://www.elpasotexas.gov/fire-department/divisions/fire-prevention
