A large second-alarm fire tore through multiple mobile homes in south Phoenix on Friday afternoon, leaving seven people displaced and damaging several structures near 40th Avenue and Southern Avenue. More than 50 firefighters responded to the scene as heavy smoke and flames spread rapidly through the area.
According to Phoenix Fire officials, crews were called to the area around 1:30 p.m. on May 23 after reports of a mobile home fire. When firefighters arrived, they found intense flames and heavy smoke pouring from one trailer that had already started spreading to neighboring structures.
Officials said the fire quickly extended from the original mobile home into a second trailer while also igniting multiple sheds, debris piles, and other materials throughout the property. Firefighters immediately began evacuating nearby residents as crews worked to stop the flames from spreading further.
Because of the size and intensity of the blaze, Phoenix Fire upgraded the incident to a second-alarm fire. More than 50 firefighters from Phoenix and Laveen fire crews responded to assist with the emergency response effort.
Phoenix Fire officials later confirmed that the fire was ultimately contained to two mobile homes and one recreational vehicle. Seven residents were displaced because of the damage caused by the fire.
One person suffered burns during the incident. Fire officials said the individual was evaluated for injuries at the scene but declined transportation to a hospital for further medical treatment.
Neighbors described dramatic scenes as the fire intensified. Some witnesses reported seeing flames shooting approximately 30 feet into the air while thick smoke rose above the neighborhood.
One nearby resident, Santiago Trujilo, told FOX 10 he initially feared the burning property was his own home after spotting the large smoke plume while returning from lunch with his family.
Trujilo said that as he drove closer to the area, he became increasingly worried that his house had caught fire. After realizing another nearby property was engulfed in flames, he grabbed a garden hose and attempted to help keep the fire from spreading into neighboring homes.
According to Trujilo, the fire was spreading dangerously close to nearby residences, prompting him to do whatever he could to help protect surrounding homes until firefighters arrived.
The Community Assistance Program also responded to the scene to help residents who lost housing because of the fire. Officials have not yet released details regarding where the displaced residents are temporarily staying.
The fire also affected utility service in the surrounding area. According to Salt River Project’s outage information, more than 20 customers lost electrical power around the time of the blaze. Utility officials initially estimated service could be restored by approximately 8 p.m. Friday evening.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the fire. Phoenix Fire officials said the investigation remains ongoing as crews continue examining the damaged structures and surrounding property.
The fire became one of several major residential fires Phoenix firefighters have battled in recent weeks as temperatures across Arizona continue climbing heading into summer. Officials regularly remind residents to clear debris around homes, avoid unsafe electrical setups, and maintain fire safety precautions during the hotter months of the year.
Source: Fox10 Phoenix
