PHOENIX — Businesses in central Phoenix were affected after a fire broke out at a strip mall overnight.
The Phoenix Fire Department said crews responded to a fire at a strip of business on 1802 East McDowell Road. 911 callers reported that a dumpster was on fire and was extending inside the store.
Crews arrived on the scene and found smoke coming from the back of a small commercial building in a storage area. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames.
Officials said two businesses were affected by the fire with only one having minor smoke damage. There were no injuries in the fire and crews are investigating the cause.
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The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority has released tips on how to prevent fires from starting in your home.
“More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 25,000 are injured,” the authority said on its website. “An overwhelming number of fires occur in the home.”
First off, the authority says that every house needs to have at least one working smoke alarm. Every level of the home and every sleeping area should have a working smoke alarm inside of it to offer the best protection.
Appliances should also be used in a way that manufacturers recommend, since overheating, shorts and sparks can all lead to a fire breaking out.
Lastly, families should have an escape plan from every room of the house.
“Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot,” the authority said. “Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.”
The authority offers free home safety inspections. Schedule one with them by calling 623-544-5400.
