News Summary
Emergency crews have successfully contained a large fire at the Patriot Recycling facility on Industrial Drive in Bristol, Tennessee. The fire, involving large piles of flammable rubber materials, was reported in the afternoon, with no injuries reported. Although an air quality alert has been issued for nearby residents due to possible smoke, local officials state there’s no immediate hazard from toxic fumes. Firefighters from multiple agencies are on-site, working to prevent flames from spreading and monitoring air quality.
Bristol, Tennessee
Emergency crews have contained a significant fire at the Patriot Recycling facility located on Industrial Drive in Bristol, Tennessee. The fire was reported around 3:06 PM on June 12, 2025, and involved large piles of highly flammable rubber materials. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries associated with the incident.
Assistant Fire Chief Tommy Castle has stated that at present, there is no immediate hazard from toxic smoke. However, local residents are being advised to stay away from the area to ensure their safety. The fire could be expected to smolder throughout the night, and firefighters will continue to be on site for several days to ensure full containment.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Reports indicate that the blaze began inside the facility and spread outside to the rubber piles due to a malfunctioning conveyor system. Smoke from the fire has been visible from as far away as Kingsport, a neighboring city.
Firefighters from Bristol and approximately ten additional agencies have been responding to the incident. Crews are working diligently to protect adjacent structures from the flames while containing the fire. According to Sullivan County Emergency Management Director Jim Bean, fire teams utilized large amounts of water to battle the blaze, with volunteer departments assisting to alleviate pressure on the local water system.
As a result of the fire, traffic on North Industrial Drive and surrounding roads has been significantly affected, leading to ongoing road closures in the vicinity. Residents in nearby areas, particularly in the City of Bristol, Virginia, have received an air quality alert regarding “possible toxic smoke” and have been advised to remain indoors as a precaution.
Air quality is currently being monitored by local agencies, but officials have not issued any advisories concerning toxic smoke at this time. The cooperative efforts of several fire departments, including those from Piney Flats, Avoca, Bluff City, 421, and Goodson-Kinderhook, have bolstered the response to this emergency.
This fire incident follows a trend of concerns regarding recycling facility fires across the nation, often due to the nature of the materials stored on-site. Rubber, being highly flammable, poses significant risks and presents challenges for firefighting operations, particularly in preventing flames from spreading to nearby structures.
Due to the ongoing situation, local officials are urging residents to stay informed about any changes and updates regarding air quality and safety protocols. As firefighting crews continue to monitor the situation, residents are encouraged to follow the guidance provided by emergency management authorities.
The Bristol community is now on alert as crews remain engaged in full containment efforts, with the impact of the fire expected to linger over the next few days.
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Additional Resources
- WCYB Bristol Fire Report
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
- WJHL Commercial Fire in Bristol
- Google Search: Bristol Tennessee Fire
- Herald Courier Local Report
- Google Scholar: Bristol Tennessee Fire
- SuperTalk Bristol Smoke Sightings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol, Tennessee
- WCYB Bristol Fire Gallery
- Google News: Bristol Tennessee Fire
