News Summary
A fire at the Patriot Recycling Tire Processing Company in Bristol, TN, was successfully contained after hours of firefighting efforts. The blaze originated from a malfunction in the facility’s hopper, prompting a quick evacuation of employees. Firefighters faced challenges due to smoldering rubber materials and ongoing flare-ups. Despite visible smoke plumes affecting local traffic, air quality assessments showed no contamination, and precautionary measures are in place to protect local waterways. The fire department is continuing to monitor the situation closely.
Bristol, TN – Fire at Patriot Recycling Tire Processing Company Controlled by Crews After Hours of Containment Efforts
A fire erupted at the Patriot Recycling Tire Processing Company in Bristol, Tennessee, on Thursday afternoon, prompting immediate response from the local fire department. Fire crews were dispatched shortly after 3 p.m. and worked diligently to contain the flames, which were fueled by materials within the facility.
The incident unfolded with reports indicating that the fire originated from a malfunction in a hopper, an essential component of the factory’s tire grinding operations. This malfunction led to flames that ignited nearby products, subsequently spreading to a conveyor belt. Assistant Chief David McGlamery of the Bristol Tennessee Fire Department confirmed that employees had been successfully evacuated without incident, and there were no indications of negligence involved in the situation. The facility promptly reported the fire upon its discovery.
Firefighters managed to contain the blaze by around 10 p.m. on Thursday, although challenges remained, especially regarding the top level of the burn pit, which hindered access to the ongoing fire smoldering below. The presence of rubber materials was expected to result in potential flare-ups as the situation progressed, complicating extinguishing efforts.
To combat the fire, crews employed effective firefighting tools, including turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to shield against toxic smoke emitted from the burning materials. Safety measures extended beyond the immediate firefighting efforts, with air quality monitoring being implemented to ensure the safety of surrounding areas. Initial assessments indicated that the air remained clear, alleviating concerns of widespread air contamination.
Concerns about water runoff impacting local waterways—including creeks and ponds—were also addressed, with no issues reported at this time. Fire crews planned to remain on-site through at least 10 p.m. on Friday to assess the ongoing situation and manage any further developments.
The fire generated visible plumes of dark smoke that extended for miles, with reports of the smoke being seen as far away as Blountville. This phenomenon had an impact on local traffic conditions as the community dealt with the unique situation. Social media captured photographs of firefighting efforts, including a Quint fire truck utilizing its telescopic boom to attack the flames from an elevated position.
Patriot Recycling, the only approved tire recycling center in Tennessee, has been operational since the fall of 2013. The company’s role within the state is crucial for managing tire waste through its recycling processes. As the situation at the facility continues to evolve, further updates on the fire and subsequent cleanup efforts will be communicated to keep the public informed.
The Bristol Tennessee Fire Department has expressed gratitude for the community’s patience as emergency services work to resolve the incident efficiently and safely.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Significant Fire Contained at Patriot Recycling Facility in Bristol
Bristol, Tennessee Experiences Large Fire at Tire Recycling Facility
Significant Fire at Patriot Recycling Facility in Bristol
Additional Resources
- WJHL: Bristol Tire Fire Update
- Wikipedia: Tire Recycling
- MSN: Bristol Tire Recycling Plant Fire
- Google Search: Bristol Tire Fire
- Supertalk929: Bristol Tire Plant Fire Smoke
- Google Scholar: Bristol Tire Fire
- Knox News: Bristol TN Fire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tire Fire
- Herald Courier: Bristol Tire Facility Fire
- Google News: Bristol Tire Fire
