A recent opinion piece in the Queen Creek Tribune suggests that Arizona should consider enacting a statute requiring hikers to reimburse the state for emergency rescue costs. The author, who has lived in the desert for three decades, proposes this measure in response to several recent incidents where individuals required assistance due to extreme heat and poor preparation.
The columnist draws a parallel to Arizona Revised Statutes Section 28-910, often referred to as the "Stupid Motorist Law." This existing regulation holds drivers liable for emergency response expenses if their vehicle becomes inoperable on a public street or highway. The author argues that a similar financial penalty for hikers could deter reckless behavior during the summer months.
To support the proposal, the article cites a recent incident in New Hampshire involving four college students from New Jersey. The group attempted a Level 5 hike on the Franconia Ridge Trail, which typically takes nine hours and involves climbing a 5,000-foot peak. According to NBC News, the hikers started at 3:30 p.m. without headlamps, and one member was unprepared for the physical demands.
When darkness fell and temperatures dropped, they called 911. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department stated it intended to bill the group for the rescue, which took nine hours to complete. The estimated cost was upwards of $1,000.
The piece notes that New Hampshire is one of six states with such a law, alongside Idaho, Maine, Oregon, South Dakota, and Vermont. Hawaii has a narrower version that allows reimbursement only if the emergency resulted from intentional disregard for safety.
Local examples are also provided to illustrate the issue. On August 1, a family was reported in the media for hiking with a 10-year-old on Camelback Mountain despite an extreme heat warning and a trail closure. Phoenix firefighters used a small toy vehicle to assist the child down the mountain.
