Large Tire, Industrial Recycling Fires Impact Burnet Texas, Detroit Michigan

Two significant industrial fires occurred recently at recycling facilities in the United States. In Burnet, Texas, a large fire broke out at Reliable Tire Disposal, prompting road closures on East State Highway 29 and limited evacuations as fire crews worked to contain the blaze amid intermittent black smoke. Meanwhile, in Detroit, firefighters extinguished a major fire at the Aevitas Specialty Services facility, which recycles oil and treats waste; the incident led to oil leaking onto roadways and raised concerns about toxic air quality due to the facility's history of odor complaints. Hazmat teams and air quality monitors were deployed in Detroit, and while no workers were injured, one firefighter sustained a back injury. Cleanup efforts in Detroit are expected to take several days due to the hazardous materials involved. Both fires highlight ongoing risks associated with industrial recycling operations and their environmental impacts.