Heat Blamed for 11 Deaths in Phoenix

An unrelenting heat wave is being blamed for 11 deaths in Phoenix since Saturday, nearly one-third of the total counted statewide all last year.

Arizona residents are used to heat, but not like this.

It’s been more than a week since the mercury dropped below 89 in the city, even at night, and the high has been at least 110 degrees for nine straight days. On Sunday, Phoenix set a record at 116 degrees.

The rise in heat-related deaths prompted the mayor to ask for water donations, mainly to help the homeless.

Nine of the 11 victims were homeless; the others were elderly women, one whose home cooling system wasn’t working.

Bill Manson of Central Arizona Shelter Services said a lack of space to house and cool the homeless was part of the problem. His agency can take in about 520, but an estimated 8,000 homeless people live in Maricopa County.

Although the homeless are among those at highest risk, health officials warned that heat-related illnesses can strike people working outside.

A person doing strenuous outdoor activity can use up to a gallon of water an hour, said Will Humble of the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Last year the state Health Department documented 34 heat-related deaths.