Crews respond to multiple fires within 3 miles of each other

PHOENIX - Crews were called to multiple fires within an hour on Thursday and three were within miles of each other.

The latest blaze at a vacant home near 13th Street and Van Buren was upgraded to a first alarm just after 3:30 a.m. The house had recently been sold after the previous owner died. Her daughter, Maria Gonzalez, heard about the blaze and said it was an emotional night.

"We have a lot of memories in that house and you know, this is the neighborhood house," said Maria. "All the kids from the projects and all the neighborhood around. You know, everybody knew my mom. Everybody knew my mom. Everybody knew Ms. Gonzales."

Phoenix Fire Department officials say a nearby home did catch fire from the radiant heat, while another house fire was isolated to the roof and attic space. That home was occupied by a family that was able to make it out safely.

"During the fire, overhead power lines were damaged by the intense heat and were down in the alley behind the home. APS had to shut down power to the entire block," stated authorities.

The second fire happened at a shed near 16th Street and Montecito, just north of Indian School Road. Firefighters quickly put out the flames, but officials say the shed did have a gas leak. Southwest Gas crews were called to the scene to shut down the line.

The third fire started in a vacant home, less than a mile from the shed fire at 17th Street and Glenrosa. The same crews that extinguished the shed fire were also able to put out these flames as well.

No injuries were reported.

It's not clear if all three of these fires are related, but crews are investigating.