2nd Alarm Pallet Fire in West Phoenix

PHOENIX - Crews are battling a 2nd-alarm fire at a pallet warehouse near 43rd Ave and Broadway.

Black smoke is reaching into the sky as the orange flames engulf the pallets at Hernandez Pallet Company.

The firefighting effort is expected to last all night and there are reports of several explosions.

Strong 40 mph winds and the poor availability of fire hydrants are causing problems for crews.

It started about 6:30 p.m. As of 7:45, there are 21 engines, 5 ladders, 2 ambulances, 9 battalion chiefs, and 8 command vehicles at the scene. Crews from Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, Gila River, and Tolleson are responding.

The fire is at risk of spreading to other buildings and commercial trucks.

Control tower operators at Deer Valley airport reported seeing the smoke plumes from some 20 miles away. Firefighters are warning that chemicals in the smoke make it extremely dangerous for people to inhale -- residents are asked to stay inside.

No one was reported injured and the cause of the fire is unknown.

The fire is also impacting traffic in the area. The Maricopa County Department of Transportation says that 43rd Ave is closed between Southern Ave and Broadway Road.