Company Settles Claims Over 2000 Arizona Fire At Chemical-Storage Warehouse

PHOENIX (AP) -- A company has settled nearly $10 million in claims filed over a fire at its chemical-storage warehouse almost four years ago.

Hundreds of south Phoenix residents and others alleged in lawsuits that their health or property was damaged by the blaze on Aug. 2, 2000.

Kevin Neal, an attorney representing Central Garden & Pet Supply Co., said the company admitted no fault or responsibility for the fire.

Nearly 70 people were evacuated from their homes when the fire broke out.

State health officials said in a report that environmental sampling did not indicate a long-term public health hazard but acknowledged that smoke inhalation caused short-term ``respiratory distress.''

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Kenneth L. Fields has appointed Phoenix lawyer Christopher Skelly to determine how much each claimant will receive and to oversee payments.

The money will pay in part for legal fees, medical monitoring of residents who request it, personal injury, property damage, and reimbursement for businesses interrupted by the fire.