PHOTOS: Fire rips through Central Valley tire recycling facility; black smoke shoots up in the sky
PHOTOS: Fire rips through Central Valley tire recycling facility; black smoke shoots up in the sky
A fire at a tire recycling facility produced a large plume of black smoke east of Turlock, prompting a smoke advisory and an extended response from firefighters, officials said.
The fire was burning at the American Tire Recycling Plant at the 13000 block of Newport Road in the Merced County community of Ballico, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Scroll below to see more images of the fire
Merced County Fire Battalion Chief John Slate said crews received a report of the fire around 1 p.m.
When firefighters arrived, they found an approximately 150-by-150-foot area burning within a pile of tires.“With the resources at scene, we did our best to defensively attack the fire,” Slate said. “We were able to contain the fire, and it is no longer spreading.”
Merced County sent five fire engines, three water tenders and two chief officers to the scene, Slate said.
Engines from Turlock and another neighboring agency also assisted through mutual aid for several hours.
Slate said the fire was contained but had not yet been brought fully under control.
“There is no threat of the fire getting any larger,” Slate said. “We have it contained. We do not have full control.”
Crews used water monitors and large hose lines to attack the flames from a distance while limiting firefighters’ exposure to smoke. The property owner also provided water tenders, loaders and other heavy equipment to help crews move material and reach burning areas, Slate said.
“The heat — it’s hot, and it’s a big fuel load,” Slate said. “It takes a lot of water, and you’ve got to turn it over and get in there to get it out.”
Firefighters were expected to remain at the facility overnight and potentially into the following day.
Slate said the blaze could continue producing smoke as crews worked toward full control.No injuries were reported, Slate said.
No evacuations or shelter-in-place orders were issued because the rest of the recycling plant was not involved in the fire.
Merced County officials advised residents affected by smoke to remain indoors when possible and keep their windows and doors closed because of potential smoke and air contamination.
People with respiratory conditions, older adults, children and others who are particularly sensitive to smoke were encouraged to take additional precautions and avoid exposure.
The Merced County Sheriff’s Office, CHP, environmental health officials and the local air pollution control district also responded or were notified of the fire.
CHP closed Newport Road between Sunny Acres Avenue and East Avenue.
Drivers were urged to avoid the area, use alternate routes and expect delays. There was no estimated time for the road to reopen.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.