FOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) - The Latest on a tire fire that ignited when a wildfire spread from Fort Carson onto private land (all times local):
4:20 p.m.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it will use heavy equipment to break up and smother burning tires that ignited when a wildfire spread from Fort Carson onto private land.
EPA on-scene coordinator Duane Newell said Tuesday the tires were in bales compressed with metal straps to make a fence about 6 feet (2 meters) in height and width.
Newell says a section about 900 feet (275 meters) long is burning.
He says extinguishing the fire could take from two days to two weeks. Work was expected to start Tuesday or Wednesday.
Newell says EPA checked air quality, air filters and desktops in a nearby school and found no sign of residue.
The wildfire broke out on Fort Carson Friday in dry, windy weather. It destroyed three homes and scorched 5 square miles (13 square kilometers).
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2:20 p.m.
Authorities say burning tires that ignited when a wildfire spread from Fort Carson are producing toxic smoke that could force evacuations.
The Colorado Springs Gazette reported Tuesday the Environmental Protection Agency has taken charge of managing the tire fire.
The smoke prompted an elementary school about a mile from the fire to cancel classes.
The wildfire broke out on Fort Carson Friday in dry, windy weather. It spread to private land, destroyed three homes and scorched 5 square miles (13 square kilometers).
At least 250 homes were evacuated.
The wildfire is contained and most residents have been allowed to return, but the tires are still burning.
An Army training exercise was underway when the fire broke out. Fort Carson hasn’t said whether it involved live ammunition or whether it caused the fire.
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