Massive Tire Fire in Woodville Draws 36 Fire Departments, Response Ongoing

Photo by Rita Shipp

WOODVILLE, Texas – A lightning strike during Saturday’s storm sparked a massive tire fire in Woodville, prompting a widespread emergency response involving over 36 fire departments from across East and Southeast Texas.

The fire broke out at a tire business located at 1815 US-69 South in Woodville, directly across from the Pellet Mill, after lightning struck a nearby tree, igniting and exploding piles of tires. The first call came in at 2:15 p.m. Saturday, and within hours, the scene had escalated into one of the largest firefighting operations Tyler County has seen in years.

Photos by Rita Shipp

At least 36 fire departments have been called in, with additional units still arriving through the night.

Additional agencies assisting include:

• Harris County Hazmat

• Texas Division of Emergency Management

• Tyler County Sheriff’s Office

• Tyler County Emergency Management

• U.S. Fire Apparatus, assisting with pump and draft operations

Photos by Rita Shipp

Crews are setting up draft sites at nearby ponds and lakes to establish a large enough water supply to keep pumps fed — a major challenge given the scope of the fire.

Photo courtesy of Tri-Community VFD Public Information Officer Paul Rutledge - 1:00 a.m. Sunday update.

Woodville VFD Public Information Officer Bradley McLendon explained that the priority is protecting nearby businesses and preventing the flames from jumping beyond the tire yard.

“We don’t really have a game plan to put the fire out. It’s just to contain it and keep it off the structures that are behind us,” McLendon said. “Containment is our main plan right now. It’ll probably burn for another day, but it’s hard to tell.”

He added that other suppression options had been discussed, but were not feasible.

“We’ve talked about using dry chemical or sand, even covering it up, but Texas just doesn’t have the resources for that right now,” McLendon explained. “Our plan is containment — spraying less water and keeping it off these structures.”

Woodville VFD Public Information Officer Bradley McLendon provides an update from the scene of the tire fire.

So far, only tires are burning, covering a couple of acres. Crews confirmed that no trucks, structures, or nearby woods have caught fire, and a fire line now surrounds about 99% of the area.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Harris County Hazmat are monitoring air conditions at the site. Officials say there is no danger to the public and the air remains safe.

McLendon emphasized that the agencies will remain on scene throughout the response.

“That’s why Harris County Hazmat is here — just to help with air monitoring,” McLendon said. “At this time, there’s no threat to anybody outside.”

No serious injuries have been reported. One firefighter suffered a minor heat-related injury but did not require hospital transport. Multiple ambulances remain staged nearby, and a rehab bus has been requested to assist exhausted crews.

McLendon said the department has received an outpouring of support from the community, with residents and businesses donating water and food to firefighters.

The fire is expected to continue burning into Sunday. Dozens of departments remain on rotation, reinforcing containment lines and protecting nearby structures.

Paul Gregory with Tarkington Volunteer Fire Department, one of the assisting agencies, said more manpower and equipment are continuing to arrive as efforts to control the fire move forward.

Road Closures and Detours

According to Tyler County Emergency Management, Highway 190 remains open, but Highways 69 and 287 near the fire site are closed.

• All through-traffic on Highway 69 is being rerouted. Southbound drivers at Hillister and northbound drivers leaving Woodville must detour via Senecca Road.

• Ivanhoe residents are also asked to use Senecca Road for access into Woodville.

  
  

Officials urged motorists to use caution, as emergency vehicles will be moving in and out of the area throughout the night and into Sunday.

Officials confirmed as of 1:00 AM the fire’s spread is now controlled but containment remains at 0%.

This is a developing story, and the East Texas Banner will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Photos courtesy of Tri-Community VFD Public Information Officer Paul Rutledge