By admin 
SEDONA, AZ (AZFamily) — Several people were rescued in backcountry areas near Sedona over the weekend, highlighting the dangers of recreating in extreme heat.
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Two mountain bikers were rescued after becoming lost near Aerie Trailhead and “were actively succumbing to the extreme heat,” Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office officials said.
The bikers were found severely dehydrated, and one was experiencing heat-related illness, officials said. Volunteer rescuers provided electrolytes, frozen cloths and an air-conditioned off-road vehicle for the bikers.
“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the severe dangers of recreating in Sedona during the hotter months,” Yavapai County officials said. “Temperatures escalate rapidly, and the rugged red rock terrain offers little to no shade. Please be properly prepared: know your physical limits.”
During the week, the teams searched multiple trails for five miles near the Birthing Cave for visitors who were reportedly lost and investigated reports of a hiker calling for help in the Devil’s Bridge area.
In a different rescue effort, YCSO said 13 rescuers and nine off-road vehicles were sent out to find a missing hunter near Lower Wolf Creek.
Crews also helped an injured good Samaritan whose ATV had rolled and saved a lost dog.
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Off-road teams helped a stranded family with a broken-down car in the backcountry near Mayer, making sure they had supplies and were OK.
The sheriff’s office thanked the volunteer search-and-rescue team, the 4×4 and Jeep Posse and the off-highway vehicle team for bringing the visitors to safety.
“Your relentless hard work ensures our community and its visitors remain safe,” Yavapai County officials said.
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