 Ferrell's blamed for at least eight deaths. More than 2.3 million homes and businesses still have no power. An unrelenting heat wave baking the country is suspected in four deaths in the Portland area, where the high for today is 104. KXL's John Eric Smith. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner says four people died related to excessive heat over the past weekend. The county says it doesn't know about any possible underlying health issues. Health Officer Dr. Richard Bruno.