Two-alarm fire engulfs south Phoenix strip mall near 16th Street and Southern Avenue Sunday morning

Fire crews stop early-morning blaze from spreading

Firefighters extinguished a large structure fire that burned through a strip mall in south Phoenix early Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, after crews encountered heavy smoke and flames extending into the building.

The fire was reported at about 5 a.m. near 16th Street and Southern Avenue. On arrival, crews found smoke coming from the rear of the shopping center and visible fire involvement along the structure.

Response escalated as conditions intensified

Because of the volume of fire and the risk of extension to additional parts of the building, the incident was upgraded to a two-alarm response, bringing additional firefighters and equipment to the scene. Ladder trucks were positioned to deliver large volumes of water from above the structure, a tactic commonly used to slow fire spread and support containment when access to seat-of-fire areas is limited or when exterior attack is required to protect exposures.

Firefighters focused on preventing the fire from advancing through the strip mall, using aerial streams from ladder trucks as part of the suppression effort. The fire was ultimately brought under control and extinguished.

No injuries reported; investigation underway

Officials reported no injuries associated with the incident. No information was released Sunday regarding the number of businesses affected, the extent of damage within individual units, or whether nearby occupants were required to evacuate during operations.

The cause of the fire had not been determined as of Sunday morning. Fire investigators are expected to examine the origin area and contributing factors, including potential electrical or mechanical sources, as well as any evidence of accidental or intentional ignition. In commercial strip settings, investigators typically assess roof and attic voids, rear service corridors, shared walls between tenant spaces, and utility runs that can allow hidden fire spread.

What happens next for the site

In the hours and days after a commercial fire, crews and building representatives generally work through a sequence of steps before any reopening can be considered:

• Scene stabilization, including overhaul to remove hot spots and reduce rekindle risk.

• Damage assessment to evaluate structural integrity and utility safety.

• Investigation of origin and cause, which can take additional time depending on damage and access.

• Coordination for debris removal, repairs, and any required inspections prior to re-occupancy.

Firefighters used ladder trucks to pour water onto the structure to help contain the blaze and prevent further spread.

Authorities have not announced a timeline for the completion of the investigation or when affected businesses might be able to return.