A fire sent dark smoke into the sky in South Phoenix near 27th Avenue and Broadway Road on Monday afternoon.
The fire is in an industrial part of the city. The Phoenix Fire Department said the fire is at a scrap yard.
Officials said there are reports of hazardous materials on the property. Fire crews were focused on protecting surrounding areas and the hazardous materials, according to Capt. Larry Subervi.
The hazardous materials created a possibly dangerous situation for those fighting the flames.
"The firefighters you see up on those ladder pipes, they're breathing the air as well," Capt. Subervi said. "Our biggest threat here is are the toxins we breathe in."
Fire officials said the pile that was burning was made of vehicle upholstery, metal and tires. Subervi said situations like the scrap yard fire contribute to firefighters having a cancer risk that is more than four times that of the normal population.
The fire was discovered by an employee of the business.
Fire crews were able to control the fire but were still extinguishing hot spots as of 5 p.m.
