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A HUGE fire near the Phoenix airport sparked chaos after flames triggered explosions and damaged dozens of cars.

The fire tore through an Arizona propane business on Thursday and sent tanks of gas flying 500 yards into the air like "missiles."

Firefighters put out a massive blaze at a propane shop in Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday
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Firefighters put out a massive blaze at a propane shop in Phoenix, Arizona on ThursdayCredit: Phoenix Fire Department
Smoke roared from the fire as first responders raced to contain the flames while enduring record heat
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Smoke roared from the fire as first responders raced to contain the flames while enduring record heatCredit: abc15
Exploding propane tanks were launched over 500 yards into the air during the raging fire
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Exploding propane tanks were launched over 500 yards into the air during the raging fireCredit: FOX 10
The flames and thick smoke could be seen from the airport
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The flames and thick smoke could be seen from the airportCredit: Facebook

Firefighters battled the flames next to the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport beginning at around 5pm while enduring record-breaking 119-degree heat.

Phoenix Fire Captain Rob McDade called the situation at the propane shop "very dangerous," adding of the gas tanks: "They literally become missiles."

More than 150 firefighters raced to the scene and cleared a mile radius around the business.

The blaze forced the Arizona Animal Welfare League to evacuate as a precaution.

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One building north of the propane business briefly caught fire but crews put it out, according to PFD Captain Scott Douglas.

Local reporters said they heard multiple explosions and photos showed charred vehicles at an airport parking lot.

Dozens of cars were damaged, according to local news outlet KTVK.

No injuries were reported as firefighters stamped out the flames.

INTENSE FLAMES

Videos showed dark black smoke billowing from the building and filling the atmosphere of the city.

The blaze caused serious problems for crews who had to surround it and lessen the intensity so they could turn off the gas.

The brave first responders were seen using ladder pipes to spray massive streams of water from above.

The fire burned through the building and caused the roof to collapse, according to local reporters.

Crews blocked access to Gateway Community College, and Valley Metro said rail trains heading west were stopping at a nearby station.

The unpredictable blaze came in the middle of crushing heat as Phoenix experienced its hottest day of the year.

The 119 degrees in Phoenix smashed a previous record high, according to the National Weather Service.

By the time the fire was out, hundreds of propane tanks were scattered around the neighborhood.

"Firefighters isolated the hazard area, evacuated multiple homes and businesses, and attacked the flames with elevated master streams," the fire department said in an update.

"The fire was then surrounded and the bursting tanks cooled stopping the explosions."

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The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A spokesperson for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport confirmed it had no impact on airport operations.

Dozens of cars were damaged by the flames, according to local reports
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Dozens of cars were damaged by the flames, according to local reportsCredit: 3TV/CBS 5
Fire Captain Rob McDade said that the situation was tricky as they had to find a way to turn off the gas source
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Fire Captain Rob McDade said that the situation was tricky as they had to find a way to turn off the gas sourceCredit: FOX10
The airport closed one of its entrances but was able to reopen it without any flights being disturbed
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The airport closed one of its entrances but was able to reopen it without any flights being disturbedCredit: 3TV/CBS 5
No injuries were reported despite the difficult fire fight
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No injuries were reported despite the difficult fire fightCredit: FOX10
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