Sweltering conditions across North Texas are making it potentially dangerous for people who don’t have a cool place to escape the heat. But for many people who work in and around the heat, avoiding it isn’t an option. North Texas settled into its fourth straight extreme heat warning Thursday, with little sign of immediate relief in the forecast. At Black Jack Pizza in Dallas, owner Marilyn Pond has been smashing patties on the grill for three decades. “Well, when you’ve been somewhere for a little while – you know you kind of have a little attachment to it,” Pond said. That attachment has become particularly sticky in the summer heat. Pond said her restaurant’s air conditioning started going in and out a few summers ago and gave out completely during the latest heat wave. She said the cost to replace the system, provided by her building owner, is more than she can afford. That has left room for box fans and little else to provide relief from the heat. “People used to come sit down and eat in here – and we laugh and talk and have a good little time in here – but now they’re like ‘ok, thank you’. They want to support me, but it’s just a little warm,” Pond said. Customer Adrin Jeter said the conditions inside were noticeable. “Yeah, it’s real hot – it feels better outside,” Jeter said. Still, Jeter said his to-go order wouldn’t be his last. “I will still support ‘em,” Jeter said. It’s support Pond said she counts on to keep cooking through the extreme heat, even without air conditioning. For now, she has her own way of coping. “I just drink plenty of ice water,” Pond said. People working outside are taking more breaks, while nonprofits such as the Salvation Army of North Texas are keeping 13 cooling centers active. Capt. Armando Acosta said he hopes more donated box fans arrive before the heat wave ends. “As soon as we do – we’ll have more than we can give to the community,” Acosta said. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication. ...read more read less