A substantial mulch fire that erupted in Phoenix was subdued by firefighting crews on Sunday afternoon. The blaze, sparked in a mulch manufacturing facility, was located near 27th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road, proximate to the Phoenix Regional Fire Training Academy. The incident caused a significant plume of smoke to be visible across the vicinity, marking the city's skyline with an ominous indicator of the fire's intensity.
According to a report by FOX 10 Phoenix, the fire began around 4:30 p.m. on June 16, and was fueled by windy conditions which prompted the Phoenix Fire Department to escalate their response. Phoenix Fire Captain Rob McDade detailed the vigorous efforts stating, "Firefighters utilized resources to surround the fire from all sides, gaining fire control while also utilizing front and loaders located on the property. Throughout the afternoon and into the early evening, command recycled crews to maintain the safety of the firefighters battling the fire, and triple-digit temperatures."
The escalation of this fire led to its categorization as a third alarm, necessitating the convergence of around 60 firefighters to combat the flames as given by AZFamily. In an effort to suppress the fire, ladder trucks were deployed enabling firefighters to dowse the flames from an elevated perspective, alongside ground efforts. Rotating firefighters during the scorching heat ensured their well-being as they worked to contain the blaze.
Eventually, the fire was reported to have been brought under control in the late evening hours, subsequent to the extensive firefighting operations. Post the containment of the fire, the property was handed back over to its responsible party. "The cause of the fire is under investigation and no injuries are reported," conveyed FOX 10 Phoenix. Maintaining vigilance into the night, crews remained on-site to ensure any potential hot spots were addressed, preventing a possible resurgence of the fire.
The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined.
