Emergency crews were busy this weekend as high temperatures and outdoor activities triggered multiple rescues on local trails and recreation areas. Across three days, Santa Barbara County emergency responders dealt with overlapping incidents involving heat-related illnesses, injuries, and even a possible drowning.
Friday and Saturday Rescues at Cathedral Peak and Tangerine Falls
On Saturday, a 26-year-old male hiker suffering from moderate dehydration was rescued from Cathedral Peak Trail while temperatures were above 90 degrees.
Santa Barbara County Fire, Santa Barbara City Fire, AMR, and Search & Rescue teams were dispatched at 2:13 p.m.
County Air Support Unit’s Copter 3 performed a hoist rescue, airlifting the hiker to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
“Please plan hikes for cooler hours (before 10 a.m.), carry a fully charged cell phone, two forms of communication (whistle or signaling mirror), bring more water, and know your location,” stated County Fire Captain Scott Safechuck.
On Friday, four hikers and their dog became lost near Tangerine Falls. Dispatched at 9:06 p.m., Search and Rescue teams made access from Gibraltar Road and West Fork Cold Spring Trail. The hikers were quickly located just above the falls on North Fork Cold Spring Trail, cold but in otherwise good condition.
Three Overlapping Calls on Sunday
The pace intensified Sunday with three overlapping emergencies occurring within one hour:
- La Cumbre Peak Heat Stroke Rescue
At 1:58 p.m., emergency crews responded to a hiker suffering from a possible heat stroke on La Cumbre Peak. Santa Barbara County Fire, AMR, and SBCSAR were joined by County Air Support Unit’s Copter 3, which located the hiker at the top of the peak. Immediate care was provided in the field as temperatures climbed dangerously high. - Red Rock Area Drowning
Just as the La Cumbre Peak rescue unfolded, reports of a possible drowning near the Red Rock recreational area prompted additional alarms. At 2:47 p.m., SBCSAR team members from the previous rescue were reassigned to respond alongside personnel from Santa Barbara County Fire, AMR, Calstar, County Air Support, and Los Padres National Forest. Further details about the victim’s condition remain unclear at this time. - Rattlesnake Canyon Trail Injury
Nine minutes later, at 2:56 p.m., responders faced a third call: a hiker with a broken leg on Rattlesnake Canyon Trail. SBCSAR deployed additional team members, while Ventura County Fire’s aviation unit assisted with airlifting the injured hiker from the meadows area to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
Early Monday Morning Helicopter Wakes Up Eastside
At 10:21 p.m. Sunday, SBCSAR was wrapping up the day from the above three calls when it was dispatched for an overdue hiker in the Rock Garden area.
Multiple teams, including an area search K9, were deployed along the hiker’s expected 12-mile loop route. The hiker was located on the Rock Garden Trail and hoisted by a Ventura County Air Unit helicopter as the Santa Barbara County Air Unit was grounded and unable to fly due to adverse weather at their station.
The patient was airlifted to an landing zone at Santa Barbara Junior High, prepared by Santa Barbara City firefighters, and transferred by an AMR ground ambulance for further medical care. The call concluded just before 4:00AM.
Edhat received multiple reports from readers on Santa Barbara’s eastside hearing a helicopter overhead and wondering what was going on.
Safety Warnings from Emergency Officials
Santa Barbara County agencies are urging hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to exercise extreme caution during the summer months. Officials recommend starting hikes early, preferably before 10 a.m., carrying ample water, using a fully charged cell phone, and ensuring familiarity with trail locations.
The weekend’s string of rescues highlights the unpredictable and dangerous conditions on Santa Barbara’s trails, particularly in extreme heat. Emergency crews continue to prioritize public safety but remind hikers to adequately plan and prepare before heading out.
Search and Rescue provided the following tips for those looking to be active and hike during warm weather.
Hot Weather Hiking Safety Tips:
1, Start Early, End Early
• Hike during the cooler parts of the day—early morning or late afternoon.
• Avoid midday sun (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), when heat and UV exposure are strongest.
2. Hydrate Before, During, and After
• Pre-hydrate the day before your hike.
• Drink at least 1 liter of water per hour in hot weather.
• Carry electrolyte supplements or sports drinks to replenish salt lost from sweating.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty—sip consistently.
3. Know the Signs of Heat Illness
• Heat Exhaustion: heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, pale skin.
• Heat Stroke: hot, dry skin, confusion, rapid heartbeat—a life-threatening emergency.
• If symptoms arise, stop immediately, seek shade, cool down, and call for help if needed.
4. Dress for the Heat
• Wear light-colored, moisture-wicking, and breathable clothing.
• Use a wide-brim hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Apply and reapply sunscreen (SPF 30+) every 2 hours.
5. Bring Plenty of Water—for You and Your Dog
• Dogs are highly susceptible to heat—carry extra water and a collapsible bowl.
• Watch for excessive panting, drooling, or lagging behind—these are signs of heat stress.
6. Plan Shorter, Shadier Routes
• Choose trails with tree cover, creeks, or canyon shade to stay cooler.
• Avoid exposed ridges with little shade as temperatures tend to be much hotter than at the trailhead.
7. Take Frequent Breaks
• Rest in the shade every 30–60 minutes.
• Remove your pack to allow your body to cool.
8. Know Your Limits
• Heat saps energy—be realistic about distance and elevation gain.
• Turn back if conditions worsen or someone isn’t feeling well.
9. Tell Someone Your Plan
• Share your route, start time, and expected return time.
• Carry a fully charged phone or satellite communicator if cell service is limited.
10. Pack Smart
• Essentials include: water, electrolytes, snacks, sunscreen, extra layers, first aid kit, navigation tools, headlamp, and an emergency whistle.
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How do you “break your leg” walking on a trail?
How did you lose most of your brain cells?
Did you forget how gravity works?
I broke my fibula at my ankle from a fall in the kitchen. Breaking your fibula is breaking your leg.
cat – Watching a softball game years ago, two outfielders chasing down a ball and “bam,” they collide. I think one broke an arm and one’s fibia and tibula were broken, same leg. The one with the leg fractures reportedly had his lower leg turned almost 90 degrees. I guess we can truly say this boy broke his leg.
What’s a tibula?
You should ask the Dok.
It’s called a fibia!
Definitely a Dok, rather than a doctor, failing Introductory Anatomy.
A tibula is not called a fibia.
You sure about that? Hmmm…..
“sticks and stones make break my bones”
Have you even BEEN on a trail? Like, say, this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YQ7lmRj1OU
Rhetorical on my part, and hilarious to see the usual freak-outs by the usual angry birds here!
BASIC – you don’t know what rhetorical means. Stop pretending to have cognitive abilities. We all know differently.
You misspelled “trolled”, “lied”, “sociopathic”, etc.
Ok folks, here is some basic anatomy; The femurs are the largest bones in a human’s body, extending from the hips down the to the knees where they meet with the tibia (inner) and fibula bones going down to ankle.