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.
“The initial reports was that a propane business had propane tanks that were on fire and that they were burning. Why they started on fire, we don’t know. And our investigators with the Phoenix Fire Investigations Task Force will do a great job to verify where and how they started on fire," Phoenix Fire Capt. Scott Douglas said.
He also could not confirm if the triple-digit heat contributed to the fire.
“These types of fires can start anytime of year so we really don’t know. It wouldn’t be safe for me to say. People have propane tanks in this type of heat all day, everyday in the city of Phoenix so we don’t know if that’s what caused it," he said.
A spokesperson for Phoenix fire listed ways to properly maintain propane tanks, including keeping them in a well-ventilated area and in the shade.
