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More Manitou hikers needing rescue, prompting rescuer pleas

Posted at 12:16 PM, Jul 04, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-04 14:16:50-04

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — The Manitou Springs Fire Department is pleading with hikers to better prepare for the Manitou Incline after an increase in serious and life-threatening medical calls in recent days, with several dehydrated people needing help getting down.

Firefighters are asking hikers to prepare for the strenuous trek and "really think carefully" before they attempt it. The legendary climb has a section at a 68 percent grade, but even the average grade is more than 40 percent.

The Gazette reports that first responders were called to the Manitou Incline five times over the long weekend. They attribute the increased calls to hot weather and tourists who are unprepared for such a strenuous climb at altitude.