EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso has seen record-breaking, triple-digit heat over the past few days and it has firefighters busy.

“During the last few days, the fire department has responded to several heat related emergencies,” said El Paso Fire Department spokesman Lt. Mario Hernandez.

Hernandez said most of the heat emergencies involved children and elderly residents. Most of the heat-related calls come in between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. The fire department is asking people to avoid outside activities during those hours and to drink plenty of water. Fire officials said if people feel thirsty they are already dehydrated.

Monday, El Paso reached a high of 101 degrees. The heat didn't stop people strolling through downtown El Paso from enjoying the day.

"We just keep shopping and this is great,” said Elisa Ohnmacht. “We try to stay in the shade."

Other people resorted to using an umbrella to block the sun, while others sipped bottled water. For construction workers who have to bear the heat for at least eight hours, they have methods for survival.

“Basically just got to drink plenty of water, cool down,” said construction worker Victor Beyer. “You know it’s pretty hot.”

Beyer said after a while he and fellow workers eventually get accustomed to the heat.

The Borderland is expected to stay in the 100s at least until Friday. In Las Cruces, the triple digits should lighten up by Thursday.

By Wednesday the heat will be accompanied by winds and possible blowing dust, according to the National Weather Service.

Sunday, El Paso hit a recored breaking high of 103 degrees.