On Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at approximately 4:00 PM, a tire fire occurred at a salvage yard located at 13536 Beacon Coal Mine Road South, Tukwila, Washington. The salvage yard is currently active and was the location of a previous tire fire in 2005. Four fire companies responded to the fire.
The burning tires presented a potential threat of hazardous substances being released to the air. Additionally, runoff from fire fighting activities posed a potential threat of a release to the Duwamish River and adjacent wetlands. The Duwamish River provides habitat for salmon. EPA and START responded to the site at approximately 8:00 PM.
Four locations in nearby residential areas were monitored for total suspended particulates, volatile organic compounds and cyanide. The results indicate concentrations near background levels. The fire was extinguished by approximatley 10:00 PM that night. Washington State Department of Ecology responders surveyed drainage areas and wetlands downhill of the site and observed fire fighting foam on surfacwe water but no other evidence of a release of hazardous substances.
No further action is anticipated for this site.
