The Phoenix Fire Department began its master plan development of a fire academy a decade ago. The then-funding limited the development to a driver-training track, Class A and B burn buildings and recruit training classroom. Future plans included additional classroom training facilities, an administrative building and a redundant dispatch/emergency operations center.

Early Wednesday morning Central Dispatch got a call for a possible fire in the area of Pilgrim and Shafer. When the first engine arrived on the still alarm they found a dwelling going throughout at the corner of Pilgrim and Snowden and would be stretching. They called for the box alarm and requested an extra engine for a possible second dwelling on fire. An offensive attack was taken to try and knock down the fire, but it was quickly spreading and the chief ordered an immediate evacuation. The fire was soon after brought under control with the exposure dwelling saved. No injuries were reported.