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Multnomah County reports sixth suspected heat-related death during triple-digit temperatures

Multnomah County on Saturday reported another suspected heat-related death, the sixth in Portland since temperatures soared to dangerous levels this week.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Editor's note: The above video was published Wednesday night, prior to Multnomah County's subsequent reports on additional deaths.

Multnomah County on Saturday reported its sixth suspected heat-related death amid a heat wave in Portland this week that produced multiple consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures.

The county medical examiner's office first announced Tuesday that it was investigating the death of someone found in Southeast Portland on Monday when temperatures were recorded at roughly 106 degrees, the first death of this heat wave.

According to the county, the second suspected heat-related death was discovered Tuesday, when temperatures outside were around 102 degrees. This case was reported by a Portland hospital.

The third suspected heat-related death was discovered Wednesday in Northeast Portland, amid temperatures of roughly 102 degrees.

The medical examiner's office said the fourth suspected heat-related death was found Thursday in Northeast Portland, when temperatures outside were about 92 degrees.

The fifth suspected heat-related death was found Friday in Northeast Portland. The medical examiner's office said the person was last known to be alive Sunday when temperatures outside were about 97 degrees.

The latest heat-related death was reported on Friday. The person died in North Portland, according to the medical examiner's office.

Right now all of the deaths are still considered "preliminary suspected cases," and further tests will determine whether they were indeed heat-related.

Both the Portland International Airport and Pearson Field Airport in Vancouver recorded highs of 108 degrees on Monday. Troutdale was even hotter, climbing to 110 degrees. Temperatures dropped somewhat in subsequent days, but continued to produce highs above 100 degrees until Thursday.

"This is a deadly level of heat that we're experiencing right now," said Brendon Haggerty, the Healthy Homes and Communities Manager for Multnomah County Health, on Tuesday. "Every one of these deaths hits hard. Because we know they're preventable."

During Tuesday's interview, Haggerty said he believes anyone exposed to sustained heat of this intensity could be at risk.

"When I look at emergency department visits we see young people coming in, people who are exposed on the job, also a lot of older adults who might not think that they're vulnerable, but we're all susceptible to heat illness," Haggerty said.

Portland and Multnomah County each declared a state of emergency for extreme heat this week, opening three daytime cooling centers on Monday that were opened again Tuesday and Wednesday. They have since closed.

"You can soak your feet in cold water, spray yourself in front of a fan," suggested Haggerty. "That really helps, it does the same thing as sweat does, it removes heat from your skin."

Multnomah County counted at least five heat-related deaths last year. The year prior, during an unprecedented heat dome event, at least 54 people died in Multnomah County alone. According to a report released by the county, most of those who died were older, lived alone and had no air conditioning. Most of the victims were white and most were male.

RELATED: Heat wave in Portland could tie record for triple-digit temperature days

The National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Watch for Monday through Wednesday, including inland areas of Eugene north to Longview and east in the gorge to Hood River. Temperatures are expected to continue mediating into next week, in the 80s and low 90s, with potential for rain by Wednesday due to Hurricane Hilary's apparent path up the West Coast.

This is a developing story and will be updated with more details as they emerge.

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