Tire fire spirals out of control, mobilizing Encarnación fire departments

A tire fire spread uncontrollably in the Mboika'e neighborhood of Encarnación, Paraguay, on Sunday afternoon, engulfing the area in toxic black smoke. Three fire departments responded to the blaze, which was reported by the property owner, Darci Nacimiento.

Volunteers from the K112, K114, and Encarnación Volunteer Fire Corps worked for hours to control the fire. While the toxic smoke affected the neighborhood, no injuries or casualties were reported.

The property owner stated that he was burning tires when the fire accidentally spread to other areas containing more tires. The incident has been reported to the Public Ministry, as burning tires is a punishable environmental crime in Paraguay under Law No. 716/96. Violators face fines ranging from 100 to 2,000 minimum daily wages. Law No. 6779/2021 also addresses the production of fires, with penalties of up to five years imprisonment or a fine for intentional acts, and up to two years or a fine for negligence.