WELDING COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) – A large plume of smoke rose into the air in Weld County on Wednesday afternoon. The smoke comes from at least seven tire stacks that caught fire at a recycling center.
(credit: CBS)
The fire is located near County Roads 41 and 24, near Hudson.
(credit: Tim Watts)
Authorities say a team caught fire and spread to the tires.
(credit: Platteville-Gilcrest)
The teams on the ground are working to build a pile of dirt around the piles so that it doesn’t spread. Authorities say they have some restraint but will have to keep working to earn more.
“We are creating a berm around the fire to contain it. We are using existing land and are bringing land to help contain the spread of the fire, “said Matt Concialdi, spokesman for the Platteville-Gilcrest Fire Protection District.
(credit: CBS)
Interestingly, Fort Lupton Fire officials say this is the same site where a fire occurred in 1987. That fire burned for days.
“The tires burn fast, they heat up,” said Concialdi. “In true Colorado fashion, the wind swirled. We had a thunderstorm that spread, and then we had wind direction changes. So our crews are fighting against that. “
(credit: CBS)
Authorities told Karen Morfitt of CBS4 that they are reviewing 1987 attack strategies to help determine the best course of action now.
(credit: CBS)
At least 11 agencies, and more than 40 firefighters, have responded. There are no reports of injuries. Evacuations have not been ordered. A structure was threatened but is safe again, authorities say.
Heavy fire activity in the CR 26 and CR 41 area. The mountain of tires is on fire. Avoid the area as numerous fire appliances respond. This will be a protracted incident.
– Fort Lupton Fire (@FLFPD) July 23, 2020
Authorities called this a “protracted incident”. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is monitoring air quality.
Residents in the area with weakened immune systems are urged to close their windows or stay elsewhere if possible.
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