Firefighters battle massive tire fire on Far South Side
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A massive extra-alarm fire on Chicago's Far South Side Friday afternoon sent black plumes of smoke into the air.
Shredded tire rubber caught fire just before 2 p.m. at Ozinga Midwest Marine and Rail Terminals in the 11700-block of South Torrence Avenue in the South Deering neighborhood.
The fire reached upwards of 40 feet high and continued to burn at about 4 p.m. No injuries were immediately reported.
Air quality in the area was being monitored by the Chicago Fire Department, which reported that it was not hazardous.
Shredded rubber is stored at the Ozinga property to be shipped by barges elsewhere and used as solid fuel. The material burns strong and quick, fire officials said.
Chopper 7HD was over the scene shortly after the fire was reported. Firefighters poured water on the burning pile using several streams. CFD said crews would utilize a fire boat to douse the flames with river water.
The fire also required a Level 1 Hazardous Materials response.
Marty Ozinga said in a statement: "I am thankful for the efforts of the Chicago Fire Department as well as our coworkers in working together to contain and extinguish the fire. The most important thing is that no one was hurt during this incident."
Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.
