HOUSTON \u2013 Residents on Houston\u2019s East Side are demanding answers after a massive tire fire at Mammoth Metal Recycling sent a cloud of smoke into the air \u2014 and left people wondering what they have been breathing.<\/p>\n
The fire broke out around 2:49 p.m. Monday, June 22, near the intersection of Kellogg and Lawndale streets. Houston Fire Department Chief Thomas Munoz said the fire and smoke cloud stretched about the size of a football field, as a large pile of tires, trash and debris on the property ignited.<\/p>\n
For Angelina Sanchez, who has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years, the smoke was right outside her home. Her biggest concern: her newborn granddaughter.<\/p>\n
TCEQ now investigating Houston recycling plant fire<\/p>\n
A massive blaze, a massive response<\/p>\n
To battle the blaze, approximately 100 firefighters were rotated in and out of the scene \u2014 a strategy designed to keep crews fresh while fighting both the fire and the intense summer heat. Several fire engines and hoses were deployed, and rehabilitation services trucks were also on site to support firefighter health and safety. Cooling buses and on-site medical assistance were also made available to help prevent heat exhaustion.<\/p>\n
No injuries have been reported.<\/p>\n
The fire continued burning into Tuesday, June 23. In posts on Facebook and Instagram, HFD said firefighters, Public Works and the Health Department remained on scene Tuesday, working to extinguish hotspots in the debris.<\/p>\n
Agencies step in to monitor air, water<\/p>\n
Chief Munoz sought to reassure the community as crews worked to contain the blaze.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt this time, there is no immediate danger to the community, and we will maintain a presence here for as long as necessary to ensure the area remains safe,\u201d Munoz said.<\/p>\n
Multiple agencies have been called in to back up that commitment. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are monitoring air quality and water runoff in the surrounding area. Hazmat teams have also been on scene.<\/p>\n
But Air Alliance Houston, a clean air advocacy group, is pressing state environmental officials for more on Thursday. The organization wants to know exactly how air quality is being tested \u2014 and where that data is.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiven the fact that this fire burned for 24 hours, that\u2019s a long time,\u201d said Dr. Inyang Uwak, an environmental epidemiologist at Air Alliance Houston. \u201cSo it is important for us to know how much pollution is out there, what type of pollution are we looking at.\u201d<\/p>\n
The group says its closest air monitor, located 4 miles from the fire site, detected elevated levels of fine particulate pollution. State environmental regulators, however, have yet to share their findings.<\/p>\n
What residents near the fire should do<\/p>\n
While officials say there is no immediate danger, health experts and fire officials are urging residents near the fire site to take precautions. Dr. Uwak recommends that people in the area stay indoors and wear a mask if venturing outside.<\/p>\n
HFD also warned residents in the area to expect smoke and odor to remain present, specifically cautioning individuals sensitive to smoke \u2014 including those with respiratory conditions \u2014 to limit prolonged outdoor exposure.<\/p>\n
Toxic pollutants detected, symptoms to watch for<\/p>\n
Dr. Uwak says the fire released a dangerous mix of pollutants into the air, including fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide and heavy metals \u2014 all byproducts of burning tires. Those findings underscore why vulnerable residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, the elderly and young children, should take the precautions health experts are recommending.<\/p>\n
\u201cIrritation of the throat, coughing, sneezing, wheezing \u2014 especially if you have asthma, you can have exacerbation of symptoms of chronic respiratory disease like asthma, bronchitis,\u201d Uwak said. \u201cContact your healthcare provider.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gaps in the system<\/p>\n
Environmental and air pollution experts say a reliable system for tracking and recording short-term, high-exposure impacts still doesn\u2019t exist \u2014 leaving residents to navigate the aftermath with incomplete information.<\/p>\n
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