Media contact: Brenda Franco, [email protected] // 832.755.6220

HOUSTON, TEXAS – A fire continues to burn in the Manchester area of Houston near the Houston Ship Channel at a recycling site called Mammoth Recycling (formerly Elephant Recycling). Estimated to be the size of a football field, the fire is comprised of discarded tires and other recycling debris and has been burning for 3 hours

Air Alliance Houston has issued the following statement in response:

We are grateful to the first responders who are working hard to contain this fire, and we are relieved that there have been no injuries and that it has not spread to any nearby homes. However, we remain concerned about the impact on air quality and the well-being of the surrounding communities, since experts estimate the fire may burn “for days.” 

Fires release harmful Particulate Matter (PM) pollution into the air while they burn, as well as any of the chemicals that are contained in burning materials; in this case, rubber tires. Rubber burning can release “black carbon” and heavy metals such as lead and mercury.  These chemicals are known to negatively affect health when exposed to for long periods. Depending on the nature of the fire itself and local wind patterns, these particles could spread to other areas as well. 

We recognize that there has not been a shelter-in-place or evacuation order at this time, and that local and state agencies monitoring air quality have not reported any concerning readings.   

However, people who live or work near the fire are understandably concerned. There are steps that people can take to protect themselves from any potential pollution impacts: 

• Stay inside with doors and windows sealed. If possible, turn off air conditioning/HVAC systems, or set HVAC to recirculate air vs. pulling in air from outside.
• Run an indoor air purifier if you have one. 
• If driving with your A/C on, ensure it is set to recirculate air, so it is not pulling outside air into the cabin.
• If you must go outdoors, wearing an N95 face mask covering the entire mouth and nose can help protect you from inhaling soot pollution and other chemicals. 
• Check the air quality ongoing at AirNow.gov. 
• Continue to follow the instructions of first responders.

Protecting oneself from air pollution is particularly important for people with health conditions, such as those with chronic lung or heart conditions, pregnant people, infants/children, and older adults. If you feel symptoms of air pollution exposure, contact your medical provider.

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