With the ongoing rise in use of motor vehicles, hundreds of millions of tires are discarded each year in the United States. Many are added to existing tire dumps or landfills, and a significant number are gathered for recycling. Stockpiles of scrap tires, whether in dumps or in recycling facilities, pose serious fire protection challenges to fire departments across the country.

Tires burn with a higher per-pound heat output than most coal, and the high heat production of tire rubber makes extinguishment very difficult. Tire fires yield large amounts of oil that are flammable and environmentally contaminating. Tire fires frequently become major hazardous materials (Hazmat) incidents affecting entire communities, often requiring neighborhood evacuations and protracted fire operations. These fires threaten pollution of the air, waterways, and water table.

This special report examines seven case studies of tire fires that have been typical of those in the United States. The case studies were selected because they occurred in varied circumstances and locations. However, they reveal a common pattern of challenges in tire fire prevention and extinguishment.

In many jurisdictions, fire codes and safety practices for scrap-tire operations are not adequately enforced. In fact, fire department personnel are often unaware of scrap tire operations in their response areas. Tire dumps and recycling operations are often overstocked and poorly maintained, without adequate separation of tire piles.

Pre-planning for tire fires is relatively uncommon. The lack of pre-planning compromises the efficiency and effectiveness of fire operations. Fire departments often try ineffective water or foam extinguishment strategies or attempt to locate needed excavation equipment after the incident begins. Effective and efficient extinguishment requires heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and front-end loaders specifically suited for piled tire product operations.

Despite these challenges, the incidence and impact of large tire pile fires can be reduced through strict code enforcement and appropriate fire safety practices. Standards for the storage of rubber tires should be rigidly enforced. A pre-plan utilizing the incident command system (ICS) should be established. The pre-plan should include development of maps, diagrams of the tire pile and surrounding areas, including water supply sources, and resource lists for needed equipment and personnel.

Read more of the complete report by clicking on the link to the entire document.