Fire in a tire shop remains uncontrolled for 24 hours in São Luís; smoke affects residents

Since the beginning of the incident, teams from the Maranhão Military Fire Department (CBMMA) have been working to fight the flames, with the support of volunteers. Four firefighting trucks and a tanker were mobilized for the operation. In addition to water, firefighters use foam and sand to try to contain the fire, which spreads among flammable materials stored on site.

According to the Fire Department, the fire started in a wooded area behind the tire shop. With the force of the wind, the flames spread and reached the establishment.

The large amount of flammable materials, such as rubber and oil, makes the teams' work difficult. According to firefighters, the smoke is highly toxic, which requires professionals to maintain a greater distance during part of the fight.

The smoke caused by the fire spread throughout the region and affected residents and workers in nearby establishments. Some residents reported that they had to leave their homes because of the intensity of the smoke.

"There's been smoke here since yesterday, bothering everyone. And the firefighters can't control this fire. It's very complicated, a lot of smoke. It can't be tolerated", reported a person who works in the region.

"We had to abandon our houses. My house is the way it is here. I spent the night without sleeping, coughing," he said.

According to information released, the owner of the tire shop fell ill on Thursday (12), when the fire started, and needed medical attention. His health status was not reported.

The Fire Department also reported that this is not the first time that a large fire has hit the establishment. A similar occurrence was recorded in 2022.