Phoenix, December 20, 2025
Phoenix fire crews are battling a large fire in north Phoenix, with visible smoke clouds reported. This incident follows a junkyard fire in the West Valley involving 30 vehicles. The Phoenix Fire Department continues to investigate the causes of both fires while managing responses to these emergencies. As winter conditions create a unique fire challenge, the department’s technological advancements in firefighting, including a recent drone rescue, highlight its commitment to community safety.
Phoenix
Large Fires Erupt Across Phoenix
Phoenix fire crews are actively battling a large fire burning in north Phoenix today, Friday, December 20, 2025, near 19th Avenue and Deer Valley Drive. Smoke from the blaze is highly visible across the sky. This incident follows closely on the heels of a significant junkyard fire that ignited in the West Valley on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, involving approximately 30 vehicles.
Recent Fire Incidents
North Phoenix Blaze Under Investigation
The fire in north Phoenix, reported this morning, has prompted a rapid response from the Phoenix Fire Department. Details regarding the cause and extent of the damage are still emerging as firefighters work to contain the blaze. Visible smoke plumes are a concern for residents in the vicinity.
West Valley Junkyard Fire Contained
On Wednesday, December 18, 2025, emergency crews responded to a substantial fire at a junkyard situated near 27th Avenue and Broadway Road in the West Valley, also described as being near 23rd Avenue and Broadway. Upon arrival just before 5 p.m., firefighters encountered roughly 30 vehicles engulfed in flames. The Phoenix Fire Department quickly established a water supply and deployed multiple handlines to combat the fire. Efforts successfully contained the fire to a smaller section of the junkyard. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with the incident. The cause of the junkyard fire remains under investigation.
Broader Context of Fire Challenges in Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona, faces diverse fire challenges ranging from urban structure fires to brush and wildfires, influenced by both environmental factors and human activity. The Phoenix Fire Department is equipped to handle a wide array of emergencies, including fire suppression, emergency medical services, and all-hazards incident management.
Ongoing Wildfire Preparedness
Arizona experiences varying wildfire conditions throughout the year. While winter typically sees lower risks, periods of dryness can heighten fire danger, with a high risk of fire often continuing even in December. The state’s wildfire season often intensifies after winter and springtime rains cease, leading to dry vegetation before the monsoon season arrives. Lightning strikes are a natural cause of wildfires, but human actions, such as sparks from vehicles or carelessly discarded items, are also significant ignition sources. The interface between urban areas and wildlands increasingly complicates fire management, as fires in grassy or bushy areas can quickly threaten homes.
Historically, Phoenix has dealt with various large-scale fires. In May 2025, a fire was observed burning in the Salt River river bottom, visible from multiple communities in North Phoenix. In 2019, the St. Joseph Catholic Church in north Phoenix was destroyed by a large overnight fire. These past events underscore the ongoing need for vigilance and effective firefighting capabilities within the metropolitan area and its surroundings.
Phoenix Fire Department Innovations and Community Impact
Beyond immediate fire suppression, the Phoenix Fire Department continuously evolves its operations and serves the community in multiple capacities.
Technological Advancements in Rescue Operations
In a pioneering effort last week, the Phoenix Fire Department utilized a weight-bearing drone to deliver essential supplies to a hiker who became trapped on Camelback Mountain. This marks the first instance of the department employing drone technology for such a mountain rescue mission. The department’s drone program, initiated in 2022, primarily assists in monitoring wildfires with thermal imaging, providing critical information for strategic decision-making. The use of drones for delivering items like cell phones, food, water, and blankets to stranded individuals represents a significant advancement in emergency response capabilities, particularly when ground access is difficult or delayed.
A Department Mourns a Loss
The Phoenix Fire Department is also in a period of mourning following the passing of Fire Captain Luke Moran on December 10, 2025. Captain Moran, a veteran of over two decades with the department, was remembered for his dedicated service as a Captain Paramedic, his quiet strength, humility, and unwavering commitment to protecting life and property. His funeral service was held on December 18, 2025, and his legacy includes heroic actions for which he received the Distinguished Medal of Valor in 2014. The department, alongside the community, acknowledges his profound impact and service.
As Phoenix continues to navigate fire-related incidents and emergency responses, the dedication of its fire department, combined with adaptive strategies and technological integration, remains crucial for community safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the latest fire incident in Phoenix?
- As of today, Friday, December 20, 2025, a large fire is burning in north Phoenix near 19th Avenue and Deer Valley Drive.
- When and where was the recent junkyard fire in Phoenix?
- A significant junkyard fire occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, near 27th Avenue and Broadway Road (also described as 23rd Avenue and Broadway) in the West Valley.
- How many vehicles were involved in the West Valley junkyard fire?
- Approximately 30 vehicles were engulfed in flames at the West Valley junkyard fire.
- Were there any injuries from the recent junkyard fire?
- No injuries were reported in connection with the West Valley junkyard fire.
- What new technology is the Phoenix Fire Department using for rescues?
- The Phoenix Fire Department recently used a weight-bearing drone to deliver essential supplies to a trapped hiker on Camelback Mountain, marking the first time this technology was used for a mountain rescue.
- When did Fire Captain Luke Moran pass away?
- Fire Captain Luke Moran passed away on December 10, 2025.
Key Details of Recent Phoenix Fire Incidents and PFD News
| Event | Date | Location | Key Information | Injuries Reported | Status/Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Phoenix Fire | December 20, 2025 | Near 19th Avenue and Deer Valley Drive, North Phoenix | Large fire, smoke visible. | Not yet reported | Crews actively working to extinguish. |
| West Valley Junkyard Fire | December 18, 2025 | Near 27th Avenue and Broadway Road (West Valley) / 23rd Avenue and Broadway | Approximately 30 vehicles on fire. | No injuries reported. | Contained to a small section; cause under investigation. |
| Drone Hiker Rescue | Last week (reported December 19, 2025) | Camelback Mountain | First use of a weight-bearing drone by Phoenix Fire for mountain rescue, delivering essential supplies to a trapped hiker. | Hiker trapped, but rescued via drone assistance. | Successful rescue, marks new departmental capability. |
| Passing of Fire Captain Luke Moran | December 10, 2025 (passed); Funeral December 18, 2025 | Phoenix Fire Department | Veteran Captain Paramedic; remembered for dedication and bravery, including a Distinguished Medal of Valor in 2014. | N/A | Department and community mourn loss. |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
