PHOENIX — More than 150 firefighters were called to battle several structure fires near 16th and Oak streets, south of Thomas Road.
The fire sparked Tuesday at about 4:30 p.m.
Phoenix Fire officials say the initial call was for an alley fire, but when the first crews got on the scene it had spread to nearby brush.
Due to wind conditions, embers kicked up and sparked several structure fires in the immediate area.
Two people were taken to a hospital for minor burns and are in stable condition, according to Phoenix Fire.
Fire officials say two houses and two sheds "received extensive damage as a result of the fire."
Officials say 21 residents were displaced, mainly due to power outages over damaged power lines from the fire.
A crisis team will assist those displaced.
Nearby apartments were evacuated as a precaution but those residents have since been let back into their homes.
Firefighters are currently fighting several structure fires in the area of 16th St and Oak St. This incident has been balanced to a greater alarm for resources. The PIO is on scene and will provide a complete report as the incident develops. pic.twitter.com/oKXTCotKve
— Phoenix Fire Dept. (@PHXFire) June 7, 2023
"I honestly thought it was going to spread to my house since I live right here," said Eddie Arellano.
ABC15 spoke with Arellano, a neighbor, who says he was woken up by his younger brother who alerted him of the flames which were coming close.
"I started panicking; I started running... grabbed my little brother and told my brother, 'Let's go.' Get the cars, move them out of the way, and call 911," added Arellano.
Other residents say the fire wiped out everything in its path.
No firefighters were injured.
The exact cause of the fire is under investigation.
