A fire erupted at American Tire Recycling, LLC in Ballico, California, on Monday afternoon, sending large plumes of hazardous black smoke into the air. The incident occurred in the 13000 block of Newport Road in Merced County, near Turlock.
Merced County fire crews were on the scene battling the blaze, which generated a significant smoke column visible throughout the surrounding area. The Turlock Fire Department advised residents in the Turlock area that they might notice smoke and odors from the fire and urged them to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to operate.
The California Highway Patrol announced the closure of Newport Road between Sunny Acres Avenue and East Avenue, with no immediate timetable for its reopening. The Merced County Fire Department issued a smoke advisory, noting that due to the nature of the fire and materials involved, it was expected to burn for an extended period. Individuals with respiratory sensitivities were cautioned to be careful and avoid the affected area.
This fire comes approximately a week after California's Energy Commission approved new regulations that will phase out replacement tires not meeting the state's energy-efficiency standards. These rules are projected to eliminate about 70% of tires sold in the state and could potentially double the average tire price, according to the Tire Industry Association.
