Devastating fire in Minto could last several days, says fire marshal

It will take several days to put out a major fire that broke out at a recycling plant in Minto, N.B., just before the weekend, New Brunswick's fire marshal says.

The fire started Friday evening at TRACC Tire Recycling, a business in the village, about 50 kilometres east of Fredericton.

It was under control on Sunday, but was expected to keep burning for several more days.

"Each day we're seeing improvement in the volume and consistency of the smoke," said Mike Lewis, provincial fire marshal.

About 30 fire departments and more than 100 firefighters responded to the blaze over the weekend, from Fredericton, Oromocto, Harvey, Keswick Ridge, Jemseg and Douglas Harbour.

Curtis Richardson, operations and communications managers for TRACC, said the company has retained an environmental engineering firm to test water and air quality, starting Monday.

The provincial government has issued water and air quality advisories for the area.

"We understand that this is a very difficult time for the community," Richardson said in a a statement. "Concerns about air and water quality can be directed to the Village of Minto who will pass the information on to the environmental team."

Water won't put out the fire 

Sand is gradually being applied to the burning material by bulldozers. 

"Water simply isn't effective on a tire fire," said Geoffrey Downey, a spokesperson for New Brunswick's Emergency Measures Organization.

"Once a tire's on fire, it burns. It burns for a while."

The province is advising anyone who has symptoms of coughing, fatigue or shortness of breath to seek medical attention.

No injuries have been reported.

Public Safety Minister Carl Urquhart said it's still an active fire that needs to burn itself out. He said the province is doing everything it can to put it out. 

"Right now she's a blank cheque."

Public advisories issued

Public Health issued a water advisory Monday afternoon for users of the Minto industrial park water system, the W.G. Bishop Nursing Home and Queens North Community Health Centre. 

Users "should not consume their drinking water until assessments and testing of the industrial park water system show the water is safe to drink," the advisory warned.

Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey, regional medical officer of health, told CBC News that users should get an alternative source of water until they receive further information. Public Health is conducting tests to see if the water has been affected.

They don't expect any effect beyond that area, but Lamptey said residents should contact Public Health and the village if they notice an odd odour or colour.

The situation shouldn't affect operations at the community health centre, said a spokesperson for Horizon Health Network, which operates the Queens North facility.

"The facility is well-stocked with bottled water, and will be closed Christmas and Boxing Day," Kris McDavid said in an email.

There's also an air quality advisory in effect for the Minto and Chipman area.

Officials say residents should turn off air exchangers inside the home and keep windows closed.

Tire recycling largest employer 

Jacques Mills owns Alternate Waste Management, which is right beside TRACC Tire Recycling, and delivers environmentally responsible waste management services to residential, commercial and industrial customers in New Brunswick. 

Mills said 50 per cent of his business comes from TRACC.

"It means a lot to Minto," he said. "It's [TRACC] our largest employer." 

Mills is close friends with the owner of the local tire business.

"That's one of my best friends over there and he's hurting," Mills said. 

"He devastated because he's a very community-minded man."

Mills is confident the business will be up and running in another month, but is worried about possible layoffs.

Entire pile is on fire 

Firefighters still don't know what started the fire but an investigation began Saturday night.

Lewis said the focus now is getting the fire out.

He said it's difficult to know how many tires are burning, but the pile is spread over several acres and up to eight feet high.

"The entire main pile is currently on fire."

Kris Austin, MLA for the area, said it's unfortunate to have something like this happen over the holidays. But residents are staying optimistic.

"Minto is extremely resilient."

• Firefighters attempt to smother Minto, N.B. tire fire with sand, fire marshal says