Siblings injured after hiking near McKelligon Canyon
A brother and sister hiking near McKelligon Canyon had to be rescued Monday afternoon, said officials from the El Paso Fire Department.
EPFD said the father of the two hikers, a 21-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl, first asked for help at the State Park Headquarters. State Park Police then called 9-1-1.
At around 2:22 p.m., firefighters were dispatched, with the first unit arriving to the scene at 2:34 p.m.
Firefighters arrived to find the father, who then pointed out where the two siblings were.
El Paso Fire said the Combined Search and Rescue team was then called to reach the two hikers.
El Paso Fire tweeted that the two siblings were 4-5,000 feet up the mountain.
Firefighters made contact with the brother first. Around 3:23 p.m., they found the sister and began to treat their non-life threatening injuries.
El Paso Fire did not elaborate on the injuries.
The hikers and ComSAR personnel were off the mountain at 4:46 p.m.
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.
