Neosho Fire Department to let tire fire burn itself out
NEOSHO, Mo. — Firefighters say they’re going to let a tire fire in Neosho that’s been burning for more than a day, burn itself out.
Around 3:00 p.m. Thursday (2/29), an outdoor fire caught hundreds of tires ablaze at “Trouble Free Used Tire Shop,” located near Highway 86 and Nogales Lane.
Neosho Fire Chief Aaron Houk says the fire destroyed a mobile home, several vehicles, and a warehouse. Nearly a dozen area fire departments responded. The fire produced thick, black smoke that could be seen as far away as Joplin.
Fire crews gained control of the blaze around 10:00 p.m. Thursday, however it continues to burn within a contained area.
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Because of the large and intense nature of this fire, The Salvation Army even sent a crew to help keep firefighters safe.
“The number of calories you spend fighting a fire is unbelievable — it’s just like going to the gym for hours in a row, so just being able to provide the hydration and some food, I just thank God that we can be here,” said Captain Bill Middendorp with The Salvation Army of Jasper and Newton Counties.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MO DNR) was called in to assess any hazards posed by run-off as a result of extinguishing burning rubber. Following the recommendation from MO DNR — the Neosho Fire Department will let the fire burn itself out — which they say could take several days.
Until then, Neosho fire crews will continue to monitor the situation.
Fire Chief Houk says the decision to allow the fire to extinguish itself will mitigate the risk of water run-off, and its potential impact on the local area. The cause remains under investigation and no injuries were reported.
