10 hours ago
Cause of 25-acre fire in North Mountain Park in Phoenix under investigation
The Phoenix Fire Department is investigating the cause of a brush fire that charred 25 acres of land on June 17 at North Mountain Park near a condominium complex.
About 125 firefighters from multiple fire departments battled the blaze for several hours in the triple-digit heat, said Scott Douglas, a captain with the Phoenix Fire Department.
Firefighters were called to the fire around noon and found the fire moving up the west side of Shaw Butte about 500 feet from a condominium complex, Douglas said. The condominiums are located on West Sunnyside Drive near 19th Avenue in north Phoenix.
The condominium complex was not threatened, and there were no injuries, Douglas said.
The fire did not affect several radio and TV antennas on top of Shaw Butte, he said.
High winds, excessive heat, low humidity and mountainous terrain made it difficult for fire crews to battle the blaze, Douglas said.
Because of the excessive heat, firefighters rotated every 30 minutes to rest and rehydrate and have their vital signs checked, Douglas said.
The fire was reported just before noon and was extinguished by about 3 p.m., Douglas said.
Lisa Brandt, who lives in the Villas of North Mountain Condominiums, said she went outside to walk her dog at about 12:30 p.m. and saw fire trucks lining Sunnyside Drive. She then saw smoke and flames coming from the side of Shaw Butte, a popular hiking area, not far from the buildings.
"There was a lot of smoke and flames," Brandt said.
Brandt was worried residents would have to evacuate. But fire officials told her the buildings were not threatened.
"I was ready to pack my bag and go," Brandt said. "I'm glad it's over because I was starting to panic."
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Fire in North Mountain Park near Phoenix condominiums chars 25 acres
