What was supposed to be a weekend of aerial spectacle turned into a medical emergency at Luke Air Force Base on Saturday, as triple-digit heat overwhelmed hundreds of attendees at the annual Luke Days air show.
More than 400 people were evaluated by medical personnel over the course of the day, with at least 25 transported to area hospitals suffering from overheating, dehydration and heat exhaustion. Base officials said the vast majority of those affected fell into higher-risk categories — children under 12, adults over 60, and individuals with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or pregnancy.
Brigadier General Dave Burkland addressed the situation directly, saying roughly 90 percent of those treated fit one of those vulnerable profiles. He urged anyone in those groups to stay home Sunday rather than risk their health in the heat.
Organizers responded by adjusting Sunday’s program. The show will start at 10 a.m. and wrap up ninety minutes earlier than originally scheduled, cutting down the amount of time attendees spend in peak afternoon heat. Guests will also be permitted to bring larger umbrellas, and additional shaded areas will be made available throughout the grounds.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks that come with large outdoor events in the Phoenix metro — even in March, when temperatures can still climb well into the 90s and beyond, catching unprepared crowds off guard.
