Women's church group rescued from Camelback Mountain after hiking to get closer to God

  PHOENIX - Eight people were rescued from Camelback Mountain after multiple members of their hiking group began suffering from heat-related illness Thursday afternoon, Phoenix fire officials said.A women's church group had reportedly started hiking Echo Canyon Trail earlier in the morning for a retreat.

Fire officials say the group consisted of women from Alabama, Tennessee, and California, and that they were filming for a documentary called "Bad Girls Gone God," where they embark on strenuous activities to get closer to God.The hikers reportedly told fire crews that they did not do their research before starting the hike at 7 a.m.

Several of the hikers were wheeled down the trail, and two had to be brought down by helicopter. Three were hospitalized in stable condition.Temperatures today are expected to rise to the upper-100s in the Phoenix area, and Arizona first responders are continuing to warn hikers about the dangers of taking on the trails in the heat.The Arizona Department of Health Services stated the following precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:Take a Hike.

Do it Right campaign: https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/hikerightMore heat resources: http://heataz.govHeat relief stations: https://www.salvationarmyphoenix.org/extreme-heat-reliefMORE: Know your limitations: Phoenix first responders ask hikers to prepare for heat, avoid overexertionWith days of triple-digit heat expected for the Phoenix areas, people are urged to remember the important things to do when the weather gets hot.