Illegal Virginia Tire Fire Could Last for Months

Danielle Jackson

Roanoke, Va. -- A fire at an illegal tire pile that includes as many as 4 million tires could last for months, according to city officials. On Sunday, Gov. Mark R. Warner declared a state of emergency at the dump site, which covers more than 145 acres.

The owner of the property was convicted of operating an illegal site more than 10 years ago, but authorities not been able to force him to remove the tires. The county recently received a $1.4 million grant to clean up the dump, according to a Roanoke County spokeswoman.