Tires might not seem dangerous just sitting in your driveway, but under the right (or wrong) conditions, they absolutely can be a serious fire hazard.
While modern tires are designed for safety and performance, the materials used to make them—rubber, synthetic polymers, oils, and carbon black—are all combustible. And when tires catch fire, they don’t just burn; they burn hot, long, and dirty, releasing toxic smoke and chemicals.
In this post, we’ll break down why tires can be a fire hazard, what makes tire fires so dangerous, how they typically start, and what you can do to prevent one. Whether you’re a car owner, run a tire shop, or just want to understand how safe it is to store that stack of spares in your garage, this is worth knowing.
Why Tires Can Catch Fire
Tires are made to withstand intense road conditions—but not fire. Their chemical makeup makes them durable but also flammable. Here’s the short version: anything with a lot of carbon, rubber, and oil can burn, and tires check every one of those boxes.
Even though tires don’t ignite easily with a single spark, once they get going, they’re incredibly hard to put out. That’s because of their structure and ingredients. The rubber burns at high temperatures and creates thick, black smoke that’s loaded with pollutants. Once one tire is burning, it often spreads quickly to others, especially in piles or stacks.
How Tire Fires Start
Tire fires are almost always the result of neglect, accidents, or arson—not spontaneous combustion. But in some situations, especially where large piles of old tires are left outdoors, heat buildup, poor ventilation, and flammable surroundings can increase the risk.
Here are some common ways tire fires begin:
- Arson: Unfortunately, many tire fires are started intentionally.
- Lightning: In outdoor scrap yards, lightning strikes can ignite piles of tires.
- Machinery sparks: Welding equipment, grinders, or overheating engines near tires can spark flames.
- Improper storage: Stacked tires that trap heat and restrict airflow can make fires harder to detect and fight.
- Electrical faults: A short circuit near tire storage can ignite a fire that spreads rapidly.
What Happens When Tires Burn?
Tire fires are not your typical blaze. They burn much longer and release far more pollution than most materials.
- Toxic smoke: Burning tires produce thick black smoke filled with dangerous chemicals like benzene, sulfur dioxide, styrene, and heavy metals.
- Environmental damage: The runoff from fire suppression (like water or foam) mixed with melted rubber can contaminate soil and water.
- Extreme heat: A tire fire can burn hot enough to damage concrete and metal structures nearby.
- Long burn time: Some tire fires have burned for weeks or even months. Once alight, they’re very difficult to extinguish.
One of the most infamous tire fires in U.S. history happened in 1983 in Winchester, Virginia. More than 7 million tires caught fire and burned for nine months. Fire crews couldn’t put it out—they had to bury it instead.
Where Tire Fires Happen Most Often
Tire fires tend to occur in places where large numbers of tires are stored improperly or where safety precautions are ignored. These locations include:
- Scrap yards
- Illegal dump sites
- Recycling centers
- Storage warehouses
- Construction sites
When tires are left in outdoor piles without fire breaks or proper separation, they’re much more likely to catch fire and much harder to extinguish.
Are Tires a Fire Risk in Your Garage?
For most people with a couple of spare tires in the garage, the risk of fire is very low—but not zero. A stack of tires in a poorly ventilated garage, especially one with electrical issues, oily rags, or heat sources nearby, could present a hazard over time.
If you’re storing tires at home, follow these safety tips:
- Keep them clean: Wipe off oil or gasoline residue.
- Store them upright: Don’t pile them high in stacks.
- Keep them cool and dry: Avoid direct sunlight and high heat.
- Don’t store near flames or heaters: Keep tires away from furnaces, water heaters, or workbenches where sparks fly.
How to Prevent Tire Fires
Prevention is key when it comes to tire fires. Here are simple but powerful steps to reduce the risk:
- Follow fire codes: If you run a business that stores tires, follow all local fire and building codes regarding spacing, storage height, and ventilation.
- Install fire suppression systems: Especially in commercial settings or large garages.
- Keep a clean space: Remove flammable debris and inspect electrical systems.
- Secure your property: Many tire fires are set intentionally, so keep storage areas locked and under surveillance.
- Dispose of tires properly: Don’t burn old tires or dump them. Use authorized recycling programs or disposal services.
What to Do if a Tire Catches Fire
If you see a tire catching fire:
- Call emergency services immediately: Don’t try to fight a tire fire on your own unless it’s very small.
- Use a Class B or Class A-B-C fire extinguisher: Water usually won’t help and might make things worse.
- Evacuate the area: The smoke is highly toxic and can be harmful after just a few breaths.
Bottom Line: Tires Can Burn—and They Burn Bad
Tires can be a fire hazard, especially when stored in large numbers or in unsafe conditions. While they don’t ignite easily, once on fire, they are incredibly destructive. They pose a major threat to human health, property, and the environment.
The best way to avoid a tire fire is simple: store tires safely, dispose of them responsibly, and keep an eye on fire safety rules if you handle them regularly.
If you’ve got old tires lying around, it might be time to let them go—and do it the right way. That one small step could save a lot of smoke and trouble down the road.