GEORGETOWN, S.C. — State environmental officials are investigating a tire fire smoldering for almost a week near Plantersville because of the potential pollution it could release into the environment.

The fire, which started last week from a smaller pile of burning debris, contains a large number of golf cart tires, scattered around about a half acre of land on Lot Road, an area off S.C. 701.

James Bromell of 441 Lot Drive has been sited by the Forestry Commission for not getting the proper permits and not taking the proper precautions, which allowed the fire to get out of control, said Forestry Commission Spokesman Scott Hawkins.

The maximum fine for the ticket is $262.

Among the other debris that was accidentally set ablaze were toilet seats and propane tanks that were part of the illegal dump site, according to the S.C. Forestry Commission.

Bromell told forestry officials that he had was burning some wood on Thursday night when the fire spread to the larger pile of tires.

He also told forestry officials that he had, in the past, burned rubber from the golf tires so he could take the rims in for scrap metal, said Forestry Commission official Ron Holt.

DHEC involved

The Forestry Commission is not the only organization concerned with the fire.

The S.C. Department of Environmental Control is also investigating the blaze, said DHEC spokesman Thom Berry.

The reasons why the large number of tires and other debris were dumped into the woods and who will be responsible for cleanup are still being determined, Berry said.

“Petroleum constituents that would be in the tire rubber themselves give off a thick, very heavy cloud,” Berry said. “That was our primary concern on the night of the fire. But the smoke went straight up and it dissipated.”

DHEC’s investigation into the blaze has “just started,” Berry said.

He does not know if any fines or charges will come from DHEC.

Berry said there are strict regulations regarding the disposal of tires.

It is illegal to place tires in the woods and burn them, Berry said.

“We are doing an investigation. Where it will go, it is too early to say,” Berry said. “That will be part of what we’re looking at. Tires could have to be removed. It’s a situation where there are rules and regulations about what can be put where and what is proper disposal for a number of items. There are statutes regarding the proper disposal of tires.”

He said the fire is not considered under control, but it is contained.

The fire is still considered an open incident, Hawkins said.

The Forestry Commission is continuing to check the location every few days, he said.

“We’re checking for smoke,” Hawkins said. “We’re checking it over the next few days just to make sure.”

By Kelly M. Fuller

Kfuller@gtowntimes.com