A fire broke out October 24th at AIM Recycling near McDowell Road and 22nd/19th Avenue in central Phoenix, Arizona, sending a massive plume of black smoke into the sky that was visible across the Valley.
The fire prompted a second-alarm response, indicating the need for additional firefighting resources. The thick, dark smoke spread across the Phoenix metropolitan area, drawing attention from residents throughout the region.
Fires at recycling facilities can present significant challenges for firefighters due to the potential presence of combustible materials, heavy equipment and large quantities of stored recyclables.
Authorities are expected to assess the extent of the damage and investigate the cause of the fire. Information regarding injuries, evacuations, road closures and the duration of firefighting operations was not immediately available.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Published November 2026
