Approximately five individuals sustained injuries following an alleged car blast that triggered a significant blaze on Tuesday afternoon close to El Paso International Airport.
Shortly before 4 p.m., the El Paso Fire Department announced on X that teams were en route to tackle a level 4 fire at the Sun Metro Transit Operations Center.
More than 100 firefighters and more than 40 fire units responded, according to El Paso strategic communications director Laura Cruz Acosta.
The Texas Department of Transportation shared photos of the inferno near El Paso International Airport. (Texas Department of Transportation)
The fire was later upgraded to a second alarm, which means the fire escalated and more firefighters were needed to battle the blaze.
Five people were injured, and they were all taken to area hospitals, according to Acosta. No fatalities were reported as of 5:45 p.m.
Acosta released a statement noting details about the fire and its cause are “limited.”
The statement emphasized the priority of controlling the fire and ensuring the well-being of the personnel. It also expressed appreciation towards the prompt response of the first responders in dealing with the emergency.
El Paso International Airport operations are unaffected, according to Acosta.
Traffic is closed until further notice at Montana Avenue and Wedgewood Drive, according to police and the Texas Department of Transportation.
A category 4 fire carries a “very high” level of danger, according to the US Forestry Service. They can spread rapidly and become long-lasting.
FOX 4’s Adam Fullerton contributed to this report.
