HAWKINS—A large tire fire sparks in Hawkins, forcing residents to evacuate the city Tuesday morning.
The fire started just before midnight Monday evening near the intersection of FM 14 and Burton Road. Officials ordered residents to evacuate the city because of the toxic smoke in the air. Twelve state agencies included EPA and TCEQ joined local volunteer fire fighters.
By noon Tuesday, 140 thousand tires were involved in the fire. The site, owned by Foster and Son, has more than 500 thousand tires sitting on it.
Rick Wilson, Hawkins Fire Department PIO, says the property started out as a tire recycling center but was never completely permitted.
Wilson says they are not ruling out any possible causes, including arson. The Texas Fire Marshall's Association will be on scene investigating the cause.