By LAUREN L. DILLARD
Of the News-Register

Scorching heat and raging wildland fires have been threatening parts of South Dakota, California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho and Oregon this past week, and today, the Willamette Valley expects a record-breaking, 103-degree, fire-fueling high of its own.

For July 10, McMinnville's record high is 99 degrees, set in 1952. And it should easily be broken.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for today. It could stretch into Wednesday, though a moderating trend is expected to hold Wednesday's high to 93 and Thursday's to 91.

State climatologist George Taylor said a ridge of high pressure has expanded west to cover the valley. Combined with east winds, that figures to keep cooling marine air from coming in off the sea.

But he remains largely unimpressed.

"It's just a summer heat wave," Taylor said. "I mean, we have them every summer.

"There's a big ridge of high pressure. The kind of thing happens and we get heat waves."

Last year, the summer high locally was 106, reached on July 15. The all-time local record is 108, set on July 21, 1938.

With the rising heat comes rising fire danger.

The National Weather Service has also issued a red flag warning that prohibits burning of any kind on most state and federal lands in Oregon. It is slated to remain in effect through 5 a.m. Wednesday.

Locally, the heat has triggered pronouncement of a burning ban expected to remain in effect until fall.

"Every year, at some point in the summer, we go into what we call fire season," said Division Chief Shannon Thorson of the McMinnville Fire Department. "The burning ban will be in effect until we get adequate rainfall."

Thorson advised caution when using barbecues and asking citizens to be on the alert for other potential ignition sources.

"The environment around us has gotten dry enough to prohibit burning of any kind," she said. "It doesn't take very long, with the high temperature and a good breeze, for us to be concerned about the potential for fires."

Sarah Bates of the Yamhill County Health Department has another concern - public health. And it's echoed by the federal Centers for Disease Control.

"In Oregon, we are not necessarily used to having high heat, so many businesses and homes may not have air conditioning," she said. "The CDC says that air conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness."

The state's youngest and oldest citizens are the most at risk of heat-related illness, according to Bates. "These two age groups are not able to regulate their body temperatures as well," she said.

But others can be at risk as well. Prescription medications, alcohol, yard work, obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure are all factors that can affect how individuals fare in the heat.

For those without air conditioning, fans may be the alternative of choice. But Bates said fans may only serve to circulate hot air, especially when the temperature rises above 90 degrees.

Not using stoves and ranges, instead switching to the outdoor grill, may help keep the temperature down inside homes and apartments.

Taking cool showers, using washcloths and drinking cool fluids can help otherwise healthy individuals regulate their body temperatures, Bates said.

She also advised drinking lots of fluids, including water, juice and milk, saying that can help hydrate the body and replace salt and minerals lost through perspiration.

The CDC recommends wearing appropriate clothing and applying sunscreen.

Bates said sunscreen is most effective when applied 30 minutes before venturing outside. She recommended reapplication periodically, following directions on the container.

"It only takes one or two really bad burns as a child to increase your risk of skin cancer as an adult," she said.

Don't forget pets or children in enclosed vehicles, Bates said. And try to schedule activities for the cooler hours of the day.

Those without air conditioning can visit local points of interest, such as museums, stores, libraries, community centers and senior centers.

One popular refuge is Serendipity Ice Cream, located downtown on Third Street. It typically sees increased sales on hot days.

"When it's hot outside, people's minds go to all-American ice cream," said Manager Jana Bosch. "Our sales are a lot higher in the summer than in the winter."