A hiker fell ill Friday while trekking in the hills west of Aguanga, prompting fire crews to mount a rescue operation, with the aid of a sheriff’s helicopter.
The “hiker down” call was received about 12:30 p.m. along Crosley Truck Trail south of Highway 79, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency said that the victim, whose identity was not disclosed, called 911 saying he was unable to walk due to weakness, possibly dehydration.
As of 1:30 p.m., the reported temperature in the area was 100 degrees.
Firefighters requested assistance from a sheriff’s STAR-9 helicopter crew to conduct an aerial search, while paramedics aboard a wildland firefighting vehicle attempted to make their way to where they believed the hiker was located, according to reports from the scene.