News Summary
A major fire broke out at the Patriot Recycling facility in Bristol, Tennessee, igniting from a small flame while workers were moving a burning hopper. The blaze, intensified by large quantities of rubber material, generated thick black smoke and prompted responses from local fire departments. Firefighters are currently battling extreme conditions to control the flames and protect nearby structures. Despite the ongoing firefighting efforts, no immediate concerns regarding air or water quality have been reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Bristol, Tennessee – A substantial fire erupted at the Patriot Recycling facility in Bristol, Tennessee on Thursday afternoon, prompting responses from multiple fire departments across the region. The incident began at approximately 3:06 p.m. when firefighters received a call reporting a structure fire at the facility, situated in the Bristol Industrial Park off Weaver Pike.
Upon arrival, the Bristol Fire Department discovered a significant blaze fueled by large quantities of rubber material. Reports indicate that the fire originated from a small flame in the back portion of the building, which was ignited while workers were attempting to remove a burning hopper. This action inadvertently spread the flames outside, intensifying the fire and generating thick black smoke.
The presence of shredded rubber from discarded car tires, piled near the rear of the facility, further exacerbated the situation, contributing to both the heat of the blaze and the volume of smoke billowing into the air. Firefighters are now focused on protecting nearby structures and preventing the fire from escalating further.
In response to the emergency, firefighters from the Bristol area, along with assistance from approximately ten additional local agencies, have been dispatched to combat the fire. Volunteer fire departments including Piney Flats, Avoca, Bluff City, 421, and Goodson-Kinderhook are also on-site providing support. Due to issues related to water supply stemming from the nature of the fire, mutual aid departments are coordinating additional water shuttles to ensure firefighters have adequate resources to control the flames.
Fire crews are facing challenging conditions, battling extreme temperatures as they work to bring the fire under control. The flames have reportedly dug down into piles of rubber shavings, making the firefighting efforts more difficult as the fire continues to burn in these areas. Smoke generated from the blaze is visible from as far as 20 miles away, including areas in Kingsport.
Despite the extensive firefighting efforts, Sullivan County Emergency Management officials have reported no immediate concerns regarding air quality or potential impacts on water quality from runoff related to the fire. Nonetheless, safety measures are being enforced in the vicinity, leading to the closure of North Industrial Drive and other surrounding roads to facilitate the ongoing emergency response.
Weather conditions may play a role in smoke behavior; cooler temperatures and cloud cover have the potential to alter how the smoke rises, which was initially observed as trending directly upward. Meanwhile, the cause of the fire remains under investigation as crews continue to manage the ongoing situation.
This incident highlights the hazards associated with recycling facilities, particularly those dealing with combustible materials like rubber. As firefighters remain actively engaged in controlling the fire and protecting nearby structures, the priority will be to safely extinguish the flames and begin assessing damage and safety moving forward.
Further updates are expected as investigations continue and firefighting operations proceed. The community watches closely as local authorities manage the aftermath of this significant fire.
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Additional Resources
- WCYB News
- Wikipedia: Recycling Facility Fires
- WJHL News
- Google Search: Patriot Recycling Fire Bristol
- SuperTalk 929
- Google Scholar: Tire Recycling Plant Fire
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rubber Fire Hazards
- WCYB News
- Google News: Bristol Tennessee Fire
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
