Recycling plant fire sends plumes of black smoke into Phoenix sky
Apr 27, 2018, 2:00 PM | Updated: 5:09 pm
(KTAR Photo/Jessica Suerth)
PHOENIX — A cardboard fire at a recycling plant sent plumes of black smoke into the air near downtown Phoenix on Friday afternoon.
The Phoenix Fire Department responded to the blaze at 400 S. 15th Ave., between Jefferson and Grant streets, the site of SA Recycling.
It broke out around 1:30 p.m. Crews spent more than three hours extinguishing the fire and trying to keep it from spreading.
The resulting smoke does not pose any significant risk to homes and businesses in the area.
According to a Phoenix Fire spokesman, crews surrounded the flames and set up ladder platforms for elevated hose streams. Additionally, firefighters were trying to prevent the fire from spreading to other structures on the property.
The material burning was bailed recycled cardboard, Phoenix Fire said. Nearby rail cars were deemed to be either empty or carrying non-hazardous liquids.
Phoenix Fire asked motorists to avoid the area and watch out for fire trucks.
Phoenix Fire Department is attacking a Second alarm fire near 15th Ave. and Jefferson. Please stay clear of the area and watch for fire trucks! pic.twitter.com/NRUBAXBViZ
— Phoenix Fire Dept. (@PHXFire) April 27, 2018
The recycling facility is in an industrial area west of downtown, near the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park historic cemeteries.
The smoke could be seen for miles. Dozens of cars in the area pulled to the side of the road to watch the scene.
Dozens of people are also pulling off near 15th Avenue and Jefferson Street in Phoenix to get a view of the fire. Law enforcement officials are blocking the roads past here. @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/3IAtF3SfVK
— Jessica Suerth (@suerthjessica) April 27, 2018
According to KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ali Vetnar, Phoenix Fire said at least 100 firefighters were battling the blaze, which was expected to last into the night due to the hot temperatures.
At this time there are no reported injuries.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.