A massive fire in New Bedford prompted city officials to change their permit requirements for tire shredding facilities.
Flames shot out of the roof of Bob's Tire on July 7 when a shredding machine malfunctioned, fire officials said. Neighbors watched in horror as thick black smoke billowed out of the brick building and throughout their community.
"The worst part is that toxic smoke, that toxic black smoke which they emit, and from that day you could see it from miles around," Fire Chief Scott Kruger told NBC 10 News.
No one was hurt, but the fire prompted city officials to take action.
"Between myself and members of the Fire Prevention Bureau, we're continuing to ensure compliance from these facilities," Kruger said.
That includes new permits for tire shredding businesses like this, both existing companies and new ones.