Neighbors say increased cremation smoke during COVID is causing health concerns SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (KPHO/KTVK) — Neighbors in a Scottsdale neighborhood say it looks like there’s a large fire behind their homes almost every day. But it’s not a fire – it’s a crematorium. The problem, according to residents, is the frequency of smoke has now become a health hazard, and sadly, they believe COVID is partly to blame. From the front, the Paradise Memorial Gardens is peaceful and quiet. But in the back, a much different picture. “Over five minutes of heavy black smoke blowing throughout the neighborhood. It’s just not right,” said Dave Dubner.