Fire destroys Phoenix Goodwill building

PHOENIX - Authorities say part of a central Phoenix Goodwill center was destroyed by fire early Saturday.

Phoenix Fire Department spokesman Scott Walker said that around 2:30 a.m. a firefighter at a nearby house fire spotted flames at the facility located near 16th and Van Buren streets.

When crews arrived they found significant fire in the west end of the L-shaped building. They were not able to get into the building and fought the fire in defensive mode from outside.

More than 100 firefighters responded to the scene when the fire was upgraded to a second alarm.

Walker said the fire was contained to the part of the building in which the fire was discovered. There were no injuries to firefighters and no one was in the building.

Investigators are now on scene to determine the cause of the fire and crews continue to mop up, according to Walker.

Officials say that portion of the facility housed a clearance center where items that are not able to be sold are bundled up and sold in bulk.

Jim Teter, President and CEO of Goodwill of Central Arizona, said the center brought in millions of dollars and hopes that now more than ever people will donate.

Officials said Goodwill had planned to move the clearance center to the west Valley and the fire will now speed the process along.