An early-morning house fire in west Phoenix turned into a long night for firefighters and families alike, after flames near 51st Avenue and Thomas Road spread to a neighboring home and forced eight people out with little more than what they could carry.
The blaze broke out early Friday and moved fast, sending heavy smoke and flames shooting from the roof. Fire crews arrived to find both the original house and an adjacent residence threatened. All occupants had already made it out, and officials say no injuries were reported.
Fire crews race to contain fast-moving flames
According to ABC15 Arizona, Phoenix Fire crews were dispatched around 1:00 a.m. and arrived to see "heavy smoke and flames" pouring from the roof. The fire had already extended into a neighboring home by the time firefighters got there.
The station reports that all residents from both homes had evacuated before crews arrived. Eight people in total were displaced, and personnel from the city’s Community Assistance Program were called in to help the families with their immediate needs.
City steps in to help displaced residents
Per the City of Phoenix, the Community Assistance Program connects displaced residents with emergency shelter options, the American Red Cross and other recovery resources. Staff also help walk families through insurance questions and what to do in the days after a fire.
The department’s "After the Fire" brochure lays out phone numbers and practical, step-by-step tips for households dealing with damage or displacement, aiming to give residents a roadmap at a moment when most are still in shock.
What sparked the fire?
Fire investigators are still working to determine what started the blaze, ABC15 Arizona reports. The Phoenix Fire Department is expected to release more information once the investigation moves forward and additional details are confirmed.
