A massive fire erupted in St. George, Utah, on Friday afternoon, sending spiraling black smoke into the skies and prompting the evacuation of nearby businesses. The fire, which originated in an industrial area at 446 Park Street, quickly spread to pallets, hot tubs, and a pool supply building.

Emergency crews responded promptly to the incident, with officers urging residents to steer clear of the dangerous and chaotic scene. The area, located off I-15 at Red Hills Parkway and 1300 East, housed various vehicle, home improvement, and property businesses.

Chief Robert Stoker of the St. George Fire Department reported that the blaze fully engulfed pallets and hot tubs upon their arrival. The fire extended to nearby storages, trailers, and pool supplies, causing damage to both the interior and exterior of the pool building. The strip mall building also suffered minor exterior damage.

Challenging winds played a significant role in fueling the fire, leading to one firefighter being hospitalized for a heat-related injury. Crews battled the inferno for over an hour before gaining control and minimizing smoke production.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the massive explosion and subsequent fire. Video footage captured the intensity of the blaze, showing flames leaping from behind a cinder block wall.

As the St. George Fire Department continued to extinguish the fire, the St. George Police Department advised the public to avoid Red Hills Parkway to ensure unimpeded access for the firefighting efforts. The situation is still developing, and investigators are actively working to understand the circumstances surrounding the destructive incident.