FireWatch: World Updates

On December 15, 2025, a large industrial fire broke out in southern Tucson, Arizona, prompting a significant emergency response. The incident occurred at an industrial property near East Canada Street and South Canada Place, where firefighters encountered active flames burning through materials and structures stored in the facility’s outdoor yard. Due to the intensity of the fire and the potential risk of spread, multiple fire agencies were dispatched to the scene.

Crews from Rural Metro Fire Department, supported by Santa Rita Fire District and Drexel Heights Fire District, worked for several hours to contain the blaze. Their efforts successfully prevented the fire from spreading to the main building, limiting damage to exterior areas only. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This incident highlights the critical importance of fire protection systems in industrial facilities, particularly fire pumps. Fires that originate in outdoor storage areas often involve high fire loads and can escalate rapidly if adequate water pressure and flow are not immediately available. Fire pumps play a vital role by ensuring a reliable and sufficient water supply to sprinklers, hydrants, and hose systems, especially when municipal water pressure is inadequate.

Had the fire reached the main structure, the presence—or absence—of a properly designed and functioning fire pump system could have been decisive in controlling the fire during its early stages and minimizing structural damage. Events like the Tucson fire reinforce the need for fire pumps to be correctly sized, routinely tested, and well maintained in accordance with standards such as NFPA 20 and NFPA 25.

Overall, the Tucson incident demonstrates that effective control of industrial fires depends not only on the rapid response of fire departments, but also on the internal fire protection infrastructure. Fire pumps are a key component in buying critical time, limiting fire spread, and protecting both lives and industrial assets.