Dozens of cars damaged after large fire at Phoenix propane business; no injuries
by 
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Hundreds of propane tanks are scattered around a neighborhood near Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport as firefighters work to put out a massive fire at a nearby propane business on Thursday afternoon. It happened at Bill’s Propane Service on 40th Street and Washington Street. Phoenix Fire Capt. Rob McDade said propane tanks are being shot 500 yards into the air. “They literally become missiles,” he said. “Very dangerous situation.” Phoenix Fire confirms so far, no one is hurt. Firefighters cleared a mile radius around the business. The Arizona Animal Welfare League has its main shelter nearby, but firefighters say it was evacuated but it didn’t catch fire. Crews prevented any flames from spreading to any business.
An Arizona Department of Transportation camera showed flames shooting out of the business and thick black smoke could be seen for miles. It’s unclear what started the fire. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport said the fire isn’t impacting flights. Gateway Community College was evacuated. Valley Metro said light rail trains heading west from the East Valley will only go as far as the 50th Street and Washinton Street station. Eastbound trains from the West Valley will only go to the 24th and Washington streets station.
Fire officials say crews prevented a massive fire at a propane business from spreading and no one was hurt in Phoenix.
McDade said this type of fire is harder to fight compared to a typical building on fire. They have to surround it, cool the area down and then turn off the gas.
Editor’s Note: The story is updated to say the propane tanks could fly 500 yards, not just 500 feet.
See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it.
Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description.
Copyright 2023 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
