Crews focus on remaining hotspots in Phoenix recycling plant fire

PHOENIX — Crews were focusing Monday on remaining hotspots in the Phoenix recycling plant fire that prompted the largest response in the city fire department’s history.

Phoenix Fire Capt. Todd Keller told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News that remaining smoke from the fire at 35th Avenue and Lincoln Street was due to compact cardboard and paper pallets that remain ignited.

“All this residual smoke is just coming from these hotspots that are up and down this entire yard,” Keller said.

About 30 firefighters, six engines and a ladder remained on scene at Friedman Waste Control Systems on Monday after crews made significant progress overnight in putting out the blaze.

Keller anticipates soon transitioning the scene over to Friedman Waste. The company will use its own water truck and hoses to extinguish any lingering hotspots.

The blaze broke out Saturday. At its peak, the fire drew more than 200 firefighters.

Ten area agencies joined in the effort as wooden pallets loaded with cardboard and paper fueled the flames that sent smoke over much of the city.

A Phoenix firefighter who was hospitalized Sunday in stable condition had been released, according to Keller.

A neighboring lumber company, tire shop and recycling center were among the businesses lost, Keller said.

As many as 800 homes and businesses were without power at one time and about 150 residential and commercial customers were without power for about 10 hours, Keller said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow @DannyShapiro13