Investigators are still trying to determine what caused a massive propane-yard fire that broke out late Thursday afternoon near 40th and Van Buren streets in Phoenix. In triple-digit heat, fire crews evacuated multiple homes and businesses as they faced off against flames that caused propane tanks to go airborne for more than 500 yards in all directions.

I was wondering what was burning last night. So much smoke it didn’t look like a small structure fire.

  • DaveEnglish
    2•1 year ago

    This video really shows it. A couple of things I picked up:

    1. The fire crews were cycling out in 15 minute rotations to a cooldown space (I don’t think I even stay conscious for 15 mins in all that gear!)
    2. One theory is that pressure relief valve tripped because of extreme heat and started venting propane out (by design), but then some unknown ignition source ignited that (which I presume should not happen).