Phoenix authorities are scrambling to uncover the truth behind a massive blaze that swept through a housing development under construction, with current suspicions pointing to arson. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the inferno, which erupted late on April 7 near 59th Avenue and Baseline Road, destroyed at least 15 units, leaving behind a swath of destruction, though no injuries were reported. In a stark statement, Phoenix Fire officials declared the fire as likely being "human-caused."
The extent of the fire was so large that its glow was visible from the Loop 202 freeway, indicating the sheer magnitude of the emergency response required. Despite the late hour, over 75 firefighters from seven different departments were enlisted to battle the encroaching flames. Due to the development's infancy, the lack of a fully operational water grid added complexity to the firefighting efforts, as some fire hydrants were not yet connected to water, according to AZ Family.
In pursuit of leads that could light the way to those responsible for the fire, a reward of $1,000 has been offered for information that facilitates an arrest or possible prosecution. Aligning with this call for civic vigilance, Phoenix Fire Captain Todd Keller, highlighted the challenges faced during the firefighting operation: "Because this is a new housing development, some of this water grid isn’t fully set up, some of our fire hydrants did not have connecting water to it."
Those with any information on this case are urged to contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish-speaking tipsters. Tips can also be submitted through their website at silentwitness.org. In this time of heightened alert, authorities are also investigating multiple fires and acts of vandalism in the Prescott Valley area, signaling a troubling pattern demanding the immediate focus of Arizona's finest.
