At DME Tyres Ltd, we take fire safety extremely seriously. Tyres that are not stored or managed correctly pose a major fire risk. Unlike many materials, tyres don’t just burn out quickly — they can smoulder for days, weeks, or even months, releasing dense, toxic black smoke that is extremely harmful to people and causes long-lasting environmental damage.
Why Tyre Fires Are Dangerous
- Hard to extinguish — their structure traps heat, causing them to reignite even after flames appear out.
- Toxic smoke — burning tyres release harmful chemicals such as carbon monoxide, sulphur oxides, and other pollutants, posing serious health risks.
- Environmental impact — contamination of soil and water through toxic run-off can cause permanent damage.
- Financial risks — illegal stockpiling and poor storage often lead to fires, and cleanup costs can run into millions — often leaving landowners or taxpayers to pay the price.
The Importance of Proper Licensing
Many rogue operators only hold a waste carrier licence, which allows them to transport tyres but not store or process them legally. Others operate under an exempt licence, which only permits them to handle very limited amounts of tyres — yet some ignore this and illegally stockpile far more than they are allowed.
These unsafe practices create serious fire risks and puts businesses that use them at risk of legal action.
Remember: your legal responsibility for tyres doesn’t end when they leave your premises. If they are mishandled by an unregulated operator, stored beyond licence limits, or cause a fire, the Environment Agency can trace them back to you — and you could face prosecution. Don’t take risks with your tyre disposal. Stay responsible, compliant, and protect your reputation – choose DME Tyres Ltd, trusted by business owners nationwide for over 40 years.
How DME Tyres Protects Against Fire Risks
At DME Tyres Ltd, fire safety is built into everything we do:
- Full Environment Agency site licence and strict compliance
- ISO 14001:2015 environmental accredited management system
- Purpose-built storage facility with engineered hardstanding and sealed drainage
- Fire prevention systems and dedicated tyre storage areas
- 24/7 monitoring and inspections by trained staff
- WAMITAB qualified personnel ensuring technical compliance