Massive Fire Escalates to Three Alarm at Mulch Facility

A massive fire occurred at a mulch manufacturing plant just south of Phoenix, AZ on Sunday afternoon.

The fire was fast-moving due to wind, and broke out at the mulch facility near the Phoenix Regional Fire Training Academy, which firefighters were using as placement for ladder trucks and other fire department equipment, reported local news ABC 12.

Phoenix Fire Department Captain Rob McDade said the first unit on the scene balanced it to a first alarm. The fire was then upgraded to a third alarm, and 60 firefighters responded to fight the flames.

Crews set up a ladder truck to spray water on the fire from above and also battled the blaze from the ground. Firefighters rotated crews throughout Sunday afternoon and early evening to maintain the wellness of firefighters battling the fire during triple-digit heat.

"Firefighters have elevated master streams in place and command is also utilizing on-site front loaders to assist in extinguishing this fire," the department said in a news release.

No structures were threatened by the blaze. 

According to the address, the plant is Western Organics, a landscaping supply company.

The fire was brought under control in the late evening hours, and the property was turned back over to the person responsible for it. Firefighters stayed on the scene through the night to ensure no hot spots flared up.

It is not yet known what sparked the flames. There were no injuries reported.