A six-alarm recycling yard fire over the weekend was the largest response in the Phoenix Fire Department's history, with hundreds of firefighters from multiple agencies battling the blaze.
Crews responded to the call at the recycling yard at about 12:30 p.m. Saturday after pallets of cardboard and paper caught fire, KSAZ-TV reports. The fire quickly grew, reaching a sixth alarm and maxing out the alarm system.
"I can't remember the last time we had a sixth alarm," Phoenix Fire Capt. Todd Keller told KSAZ. "We've had a couple two, three alarms in the last couple of months, but this is a big one."
Smoke from the blaze could be seen for several miles and was even picked up on satellites, according to the National Weather Service. As the fire continued to escalate, over 200 firefighters from 10 different agencies responded to the call
The wind-fueled fire spread to nearby businesses, gutting a recycling center, a lumber company and a tire company. Flames also jumped across the street and ignited cars in a junkyard.
One firefighter injured a leg battling the fire and was taken to the hospital in stable condition. No other injuries were reported.
Along with the fire, crews also faced temperatures reaching 108 degrees and winds
"We have to layer our resources. we keep upgrading assignments so we can recycle our crews. Our firefighters train for situations like this. This is not their first time in the summer," Keller told KSAZ.
Over 50 firefighters remained at the scene Sunday to put out any hot spots or douse any pallets that would reignite.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
