Texas firefighters are battling a large fire near El Paso International Airport after a reported explosion.
Multiple people have been taken to the hospital after a reported vehicle explosion ignited a large inferno Tuesday afternoon near El Paso International Airport.
Just before 4 p.m., El Paso Fire Department posted on X confirming crews were responding to a condition 4 fire at the Sun Metro Transit Operations Center.
The fire was later upgraded to a second alarm, which means the fire escalated and more firefighters were needed to battle the blaze.
Four people were taken to area hospitals, according to the fire department.
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KFOX14 reported a vehicle exploded, possibly inside the Sun Metro center, igniting the fire.
El Paso Police Department confirmed it is assisting and asked locals to avoid the area.
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The fire department said the area was evacuated, affiliate FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth reported.
A category 4 fire carries a “very high” level of danger, according to the US Forestry Service. It can spread rapidly and become long-lasting.
El Paso strategic communications director Laura Cruz Acosta released a statement noting details about the fire and its cause are “limited.”
“Our primary focus is on containing the fire and the safety of our staff,” according to the statement. “We want to extend our sincere gratitude to our first responders for their swift action in addressing the situation.”
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.
