Valley firefighters called to over a dozen fires overnight

PHOENIX — Firefighters in at least five Valley cities responded to more than a dozen fires starting in the evening of Fourth of July and leading into the morning, authorities said.

The cause of most of the fires are under investigation, although the Phoenix Police Department said in a press release that many of the incidents are likely a result of residents using fireworks during their Independence Day celebrations.

The majority of the incidents fire personnel responded to took place in the West Valley, with eight fires in Glendale, at least four in Phoenix and one in Peoria, all of which started sometime around 9 p.m. and lasted through 6:30 a.m.

Glendale fire personnel said in a press release causes ranged from sparks to incorrectly disposed of fireworks to misuse.

One fire in Gilbert near Williams Field and Higley roads and another in Tempe near Elliot Road and Priest Drive required assistance from East Valley fire personnel.

Of the many fires that ignited, one in Glendale near Beardsley Road and 75th Avenue left extensive charring to the side of a 60-year-old man’s face after the fire appeared to have started in the garage and moved to the car in the driveway and the home, authorities said.

He was hospitalized with burns on his face and airway, Glendale fire said in the release. The two residents of that home were displaced.

In another instance in Phoenix near 51st Avenue and Thomas Road, fire personnel believe a tractor-trailer parked in the drive way caught fire in which the flames extended to the home.

Follow @KTAR923