South Tempe woke up to a thick column of smoke early Saturday as multiple fire crews rushed to a building near Broadway Road and Hardy Drive. Neighbors and drivers reported heavy smoke drifting across the East Valley while firefighters established a visible command post at the busy intersection. Officials had not immediately released information about possible injuries or what started the blaze.
What we know so far
Several fire units were dispatched to a reported building fire near Broadway Road and Hardy Drive around 7:30 a.m., according to Arizona's Family. The outlet reported that a large plume of smoke could be seen rising as crews moved in, and Tempe Police told the station the response led to the closure of eastbound Broadway Road and southbound Hardy Drive. Authorities had not immediately provided details on injuries or the extent of the damage.
Images and early reporting
Air15 video and photos published by ABC15 show what the station described as a first-alarm house fire near the same intersection, with heavy smoke pouring from the area and a sizable number of fire units on scene. The images drive home how far the smoke was visible across nearby neighborhoods and along key roadways.
Where this is and who’s nearby
The Broadway and Hardy corridor is a mix of light industrial and warehouse properties between downtown Tempe and the city’s maker district. Business listings note the United Dairymen of Arizona processing plant at 2008 S. Hardy Drive, underscoring that this stretch includes active manufacturing operations; directory records confirm the address via MapQuest. Drivers should expect delays while emergency crews remain in the area and are encouraged to steer clear of the intersection if they can.
The city and fire department had not posted formal updates when initial reports were published, and residents are urged to follow official Tempe channels for verified information. Hoodline will update this story as Tempe Fire Medical Rescue or Tempe Police release additional details about injuries, the cause of the fire, or impacts on nearby businesses.
