Dozens of firefighters still battling Phoenix recycling fire near 35th Avenue and Buckeye

PHOENIX — About 30 firefighters are still battling the large fire that sparked at a Phoenix recycling yard Saturday afternoon.

Crews were called to the business near 35th Avenue and Buckeye Road for a fire which was quickly upgraded to a six-alarm response.

Crews say five commercial structures, including Friedman Recycling and a Purcell Tire Shop, were involved along with multiple recycling yards in the area.

A structure, west of where the fire started, collapsed onto bales of cardboard and paper making it more difficult to put out the fire, according to the Phoenix Fire Department.

The structure was made of metal and was not burning out on its own, said Phoenix Fire Captain Todd Keller.

Phoenix firefighters say this is the largest response for the Phoenix Fire Department in history. There was initially over 200 firefighters and 10 different agencies battling the fire that was fueled by lumber and tires in the area.

PHOTOS: Recycling yard fire in Phoenix

One firefighter was taken to a hospital for an injury to their lower body. On Sunday, officials said the firefighter was "doing really well."

According to APS, at one point, there were more than 1,200 customers without power. As of Sunday morning, that number was down to about 20.

Fire officials are asking the community to avoid the area as 35th Avenue remains closed from Buckeye Road to Van Buren Street.

Officials say crews will remain on the scene throughout the day Sunday to extinguish all remaining hotspots.

An investigation will be underway once the fire is completely out.

Stay with ABC15 as we continue to update this story.