YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) — The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office has reported 11 heat-related deaths since July, just two short of the 13 recorded during all of last year.

Officials say most of the deaths were caused by dangerously high indoor temperatures from broken or nonworking air conditioning systems.

The Salvation Army in Yuma operates one of the cooling centers in the county, offering snacks, water and a place to rest.

Lt. Jonathan Herzog with the Salvation Army said many families arrive during emergencies when their air conditioners stop working.

“There are a lot of folks that go without air conditioning in Yuma County. They bear the brunt of those extreme temperatures,” said Herzog.

Herzog said most of the people who come to the cooling center are unhoused, but staff also see el

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