Close call: Ariz. firefighters caught in explosion at abandoned building fire

Tucson firefighters on the roof escaped injury after an explosion caused the roof to collapse

May 27, 2025 09:00 AM

By Erika Wurst
The Arizona Daily Star

TUCSON, Ariz. — Tucson firefighters were on the roof of a burning abandoned building in midtown Friday when it collapsed with such force it looked like an explosion, authorities say.

The force of the impact that knocked one firefighter to the ground and send others scattering was captured on video. No one was injured.

In the fire, crews were sent to a former convenience store in 3100 block of East 22nd Street , about 3:30 p.m. after smoke was reported coming from inside the abandoned building, Tucson Fire said on social media.

As crews arrived on scene and attempted to find the fire’s source. Several firefighters were on the building’s roof when it collapsed.

Homeless activity has been listed as the fire’s cause, TFD said

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