San Luis businesses team with firefighters to offer cooling spots

Several businesses in San Luis, Mexico opened free cooling spots this summer after teaming with firefighters, giving people a place to drink water, rest and get out of the heat during business hours. Around 10 businesses joined the effort, and the sites were expected to stay open through the summer, and possibly longer if needed.

Elisa Elizalde, a receptionist at Santa Margarita Hospital, said the project filled a practical need: people need a prepared place where they can hydrate before heat stress becomes a bigger problem.

Arizona has recorded more than 4,320 deaths from excessive heat from 2013 to 2024, and state heat warnings were active for Yuma County through July 9, with daytime highs expected to reach 117 degrees. Arizona’s heat-safety hub advises people to drink water, limit time in the heat and use air-conditioned public spaces such as malls, libraries or community centers. The state’s heat-relief map also points residents to cooling centers, respite centers and hydration stations. In Yuma County, Crossroads Mission operated two water stations as part of the broader response.

In June 2024, the San Luis, Mexico Public Safety Department installed cooling stations downtown and at its five fire stations, offering free water and powdered electrolytes. A 2026 Arizona rural-health presentation also listed Regional Center for Border Health cooling locations in south Yuma County, including San Luis, Parker, Lake Havasu and Kingman, with air-conditioned refuge, free water distribution, outreach to vulnerable populations and heat-safety education. The Maricopa Association of Governments Heat Relief Network coordinates similar partners across the Valley.