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A 72-year-old man suffered "extreme heat exhaustion" while hiking in upper Tanque Verde Falls Friday.

Shortly before 4 p.m., the Pima County Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue unit, along with Southern Arizona Rescue Association, responded to the area for an "unresponsive man on the trail," said Deputy Ryan Inglett.

Search and rescue crews contacted the Arizona Department of Public Safety Ranger helicopter. The man was airlifted to Tucson Medical Center, Inglett said.

He is being treated for "serious heat-related injuries," Inglett said.

Friday's high was 107 degrees, and this weekend it is expected to top at 111 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Officials advise that outdoor activities be limited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. β€” the hottest part of the day, said Inglett.

He said hikers should pre-hydrate, bring plenty of water, carry a cell phone and hike with another person. Outdoor activities should be done in the early morning hours.Β 


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Contact reporter Carmen Duarte at cduarte@tucson.com or 573-4104. Twitter: @cduartestar