Missoula firefighter Andrew Drobeck noted that many heat-related emergency calls are from seniors struggling with heat in their older homes, emphasizing the region's vulnerability.
The 2021 heat dome brought unprecedented temperatures to western Montana, breaking records for both daily highs and consecutive days above 90 degrees, affecting the usually cooler climate.
As Montana's population ages, with about 1 in 4 residents over 60, those over 65 are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses, struggling to acclimate.
Emergency responders in Missoula have seen a rise in heat-related calls over the past few summers, indicating a concerning trend linked to extreme temperatures.
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