A massive pre-dawn fire tore through a lumber yard in El Paso's Upper Valley on Saturday, sending towering flames into the sky and pulling in a large emergency response. Local crews and bystanders captured video of the blaze near Doniphan Drive and Redd Road as firefighters moved in to attack the flames. Traffic around the area was held while crews worked through the morning to get control of the scene.
What responders saw
More than 20 El Paso Fire Department units were dispatched to the lumber yard, according to KVIA. Fire trucks, ambulances and El Paso police converged on the yard as firefighters worked to knock down hot spots and keep the flames from flaring back up.
Where it happened
The El Paso location of 84 Lumber is listed at 122 McCutcheon Lane, according to 84 Lumber. The yard sits in the Upper Valley near the corridor where Doniphan Drive meets Redd Road.
Why lumber yards burn fast
Stacked lumber and idle pallets provide abundant fuel that lets fires move quickly once they ignite. Woodworking facilities "contain large quantities of fuel in the form of wood and wood products," according to OSHA. Industry loss-control guidance also warns that idle pallets are a "significant fire hazard" and recommends spacing and sprinkler protections that follow NFPA standards, per NFSA.
According to KVIA, the station contacted the El Paso Fire Department for more information but had not yet received details on injuries or transports early Saturday. Fire crews and investigators remained at the yard as the department worked to fully extinguish the blaze.
