Sparks From Saw Caused Tire Store Fire

January 28, 2008 - 3:16pm

Mayor Adrian Fenty with the fire burning in the background. (Mark Segraves/WTOP Photo)

WASHINGTON - A three-alarm fire at a tire store in Northeast that sent a black plume of smoke over portions of the city was accidental, investigators say.

The fire was caused by sparks from a masonry saw being used on the second floor of Jimmy's Tire Shop in Northeast, D.C. Fire and EMS spokesman Alan Etter says.

Firefighters were called to the fire near 12th Street and Florida Avenue, Northeast at about 2 p.m. on Jan. 21.

A contractor was using the saw to repair a partially collapsed wall.

Etter says a masonry saw can produce sparks, depending on the material being cut. He says once tires catch fire "they just burn forever."

Several nearby buildings were evacuated because of the fire.

The smoke could be seen as far away as Alexandria.

WASHINGTON - A three-alarm fire at a tire store in Northeast that sent a black plume of smoke over portions of the city was accidental, investigators say.

The fire was caused by sparks from a masonry saw being used on the second floor of Jimmy's Tire Shop in Northeast, D.C. Fire and EMS spokesman Alan Etter says.

Firefighters were called to the fire near 12th Street and Florida Avenue, Northeast at about 2 p.m. on Jan. 21.

A contractor was using the saw to repair a partially collapsed wall.

Etter says a masonry saw can produce sparks, depending on the material being cut. He says once tires catch fire "they just burn forever."

Several nearby buildings were evacuated because of the fire.

The smoke could be seen as far away as Alexandria.

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