Structure fire contained in south Phoenix; 60 firefighters responded

The Phoenix Fire Department contained a structure fire at Mary's Ministries on Central Avenue in south Phoenix, according to fire officials.

It is unclear what caused the fire, Captian Kenny Overton, public information officer for the Phoenix Fire Department, said. No one was injured.

The structure is located next to a school, but the school was not evacuated, and there was no plan to do so, Overton said.

"It's proximity to the school heightens our awareness and sense of urgency," Overton said. 

Phoenix fire responded to reports of heavy grey smoke, Overton said, and when they arrived firefighters entered the building to address the fire.

While addressing the fire the roof collapsed, Overton said, but it is unclear if firefighters were still in the building at the time of the collapse.

Sixty firefighters worked to contain the fire, each one wearing more than 60 pounds of gear, he added.

The firefighters were cycled through to make sure they were not fatigued in the heat, Overton said. 

"We train for this and stay ready to handle any emergency, anytime," he said. 

Crews will now work to address any hot spots to ensure the fire is out before investigators begin an investigation. 

"A lot of them did a lot of hard work on the front end, but the overhaul is just as important, just as strenuous," Overton said, adding each firefighter is wearing 50 to 60 pounds of gear. 

Central Avenue was shut down from Broadway Road to Southern Avenue. 

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