ARIZONA NEWS

Huge four-alarm fire that flared up in west Phoenix finally fizzles out

Aug 2, 2023, 3:27 PM | Updated: 8:51 pm

PHOENIX — Firefighters extinguished the fast-moving four-alarm fire that flared up around 3 p.m. Wednesday in west Phoenix.

It took a few hours for Phoenix firefighters to take down the flames. Phoenix Fire Department Captain Kimberly Quick-Ragsdale said the blaze flared up near 31st Avenue and Buckeye Road.

Crews first heard reports of a grass fire with possible extension to a fence, Quick-Ragsdale told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

When they arrived on the scene, they found heavy smoke billowing in the air, along with fiercely flickering flames.

“Due to high winds, the fire quickly spread to nearby industrial properties and the initial response was rapidly upgraded,” Quick-Ragsdale said.

One local said they could see the fire from downtown Tempe.

The wind-spurred fire quickly spread to at least four nearby buildings. Eventually, it swelled to a four-alarm fire.

“This is largely due to the amount of fuel in the area, difficulty accessing the area and the strong winds,” Quick-Ragsdale said.

How fire officials tamed the fast-moving four-alarm fire

“Firefighters set up several elevated master streams to attack the large flames and black smoke,” Quick-Ragsdale said.

Ground crews laid multiple supply lines and hosed down various flaming areas. Other teams took an aerial approach.

“Firefighters set up several elevated master streams to attack the large flames and black smoke,” she said.

Meanwhile, fire teams asked the water department to increase all water sent to the area.

“Crews eventually got the large blaze under control and will be working into the evening putting out hot spots,” Quick-Ragsdale said.

Injuries and displacements

The enormous fire damaged multiple mobile homes, displacing six people from their residences. However, the Community Assistance Program was on scene to help them, according to Quick-Ragsdale.

“Three firefighters were transported to the hospital as a result of the fire,” she said. “Two were transported for heat related symptoms and the other suffered a soft tissue injury.”

Fire officials are still trying to determine the cause of the fire.

This is a developing story. Tune in to 92.3 FM for updates.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona News

Peoria Police department...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Peoria police search for vandals who caused $30-40K worth of park damage

The Peoria Police Department is asking the public for help in finding the suspect responsible for vandalizing and causing tens of thousands of dollars of damage to a local park.

7 hours ago

Phoenix-Pittsburgh nonstop flight offered through Allegiant...

Serena O'Sullivan

Fly high: Phoenix travelers getting new nonstop flight option for Pittsburgh through Allegiant

Planning a business trip? You can now book a Phoenix-Pittsburgh nonstop flight through Allegiant at Sky Harbor International Airport.

8 hours ago

fentanyl pills, fentanyl bust Phoenix...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Phoenix man charged after police seized 100,000 fentanyl pills

A man in Phoenix was pulled over by police during a routine traffic stop, which led to the seizure of about 100,000 blue fentanyl pills.

9 hours ago

Thomas Galvin AZ Political Podcast...

Jim Sharpe

AZ Political Podcast: Thomas Galvin on public funding for sports teams, speed of election results

On this week's edition of AZ Political Podcast, Thomas Galvin discusses public funding for sports teams and how election results can be sped up.

10 hours ago

US 60 between Superior and Miami will be closed until Friday due to blasting work that was performe...

David Veenstra

US 60 between Superior, Miami reopens following blasting

US 60 between Superior and Miami has reopened following blasting work that was performed in the area.

11 hours ago

Maricopa County 1 of 4 pharmacists sentenced for fraud...

Serena O'Sullivan

Maricopa County pharmacist among 4 sentenced in fraud conspiracy

A Maricopa County pharmacist named Raef Hamaed was one of four pharmacists sentenced for their roles in a $13 million conspiracy, officials said.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Huge four-alarm fire that flared up in west Phoenix finally fizzles out