"Heavy fire" at West Baltimore tire shop prompts air quality concerns

BALTIMORE -- A large fire at a tire shop in West Baltimore prompted a two-alarm response overnight, prompting air quality concerns, the Baltimore Fire Department said. 

The fire happened in the area of Emmanuel Tire shop on Moreland Avenue. Large plumes of smoke were seen from blocks away. 

Fire officials urge commuters Friday morning to consider alternate routes to avoid the  1300 block of North Bentalou Street at Presstman Street and the intersection of West North Avenue at Braddish Avenue. 

Companies responded around 1:30 a.m. to the 1300 block of Moreland Avenue for "very heavy fire and smoke conditions" involving tires, BCFD spokesperson Kevin Cartwright said. 

The fire was contained and extinguished within an hour, but crews remained on the scene through the early morning. 

Assistance was provided by company owners, who used bulldozers to spread out the burning tires, making it easier to extinguish the fire, the department said. 

Though the fire was in a large area where there wouldn't usually be people other than workers, there is concern about the smoke from the burning tires, which could potentially affect people with respiratory conditions, Cartwright said. 

He suggested people stay in the house and avoid spectating the incident, but acknowledged the smoke was minimal thanks to the wind. 

"Fortunately, we've had a consistent 7-10 mph North wind while actively battling this fire which helped to more quickly emit the smoke, minimizing direct impacts to civilians," Cartwright said. 

There is no active burning as of 4:30 a.m., officials said. But crews are still monitoring the scene. 

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.