Evacuations as thousands of tires burn

TYLER — Officials are evacuating residents and closing schools in Hawkins after a massive tire fire erupts overnight.

The fire is at the intersection of Burton Road and Highway 14 South.

Cody Thompson, Assistant Fire Chief, said the fire began late last night and was contained early this morning around 5:30 a.m. Thompson said there are close to 70,000- 100,000 tires on fire.

There is a mandatory evacuation for the entire city of Hawkins and all school and sports activities are canceled for the day in Hawkins ISD. Classes at Jarvis Christian College were closed until noon.

Officials are concerned with the health of Hawkins residents because the tires are releasing toxic fumes into the air. Hawkins Officials will have bus rides between Hawkins and Big Sandy they are unsure on what time the buses will begin running but it will be first come first serve.

Officials also don't know at this point how long the evacuation will last and what the cause was but they are not ruling out arson.