Despite the hottest summer on record last year, heat-related deaths dropped in Maricopa County for the first time in a decade.
County and city of Phoenix officials credit that to expanded heat relief efforts in the city and a new method to treat dangerously overheated patients.
“The number of people who lost their lives is still way too high, but the curve didn’t happen by accident,” said Mayor Kate Gallego during a city council meeting Tuesday where staff presented updates on the city’s heat relief plan.
