21 adults, three children and one infant were rescued at the low water crossing in Bear Canyon.

25 people were rescued by several emergency crews in Bear Canyon Friday evening.

Pima County Search and Rescue, Tucson Fire and the Coronado National Forest performed a ladder rescue and saved 21 adults, three children and one infant at the low water crossing in Bear Canyon, which is part of the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.

At its peak, the water was traveling over 3,000 cubic feet per second, the Coronado National Forest said. To safely cross the area on foot, the water should be moving no greater than 300 cubic feet per second.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning in the Sabino Canyon area on Friday, Aug. 12. The water forced bridges to close down and left some hikers stranded and waiting for the water to subside. Video by Susan Barnett.

One visitor sprained an ankle but is expected to make a full recovery. No other injuries were reported.


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Jamie Donnelly covers breaking news for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com