Massive fire near Phoenix prompts evacuations
GILBERT, Ariz. --High winds fueled a five-alarm fire Saturday at an apartment complex under construction in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert, officials said.
CBS affiliate KPHO reported evacuations were ordered for people who live near the fire scene on Civic Center Drive. An evacuation center was set up at the Public Safety Complex Amphitheater, the Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department said.
No injuries had been reported. Firefighters from several nearby communities were helping battle the flames.
The Broadstone Gilbert Heritage complex, which was planned to have several hundred units, was in the process of being framed, with the wood providing quick fuel for the fire, authorities told KPHO.
Flames and smoke could be seen for miles away. The fire was also detected on weather radar, the National Weather Service tweeted.
The cause of the fire, which began around 6 p.m., was not known.