Resident warns of toxic fire risk from scrap-tire dump sites; council hears request for town meeting

LaShay Robinson told the Anniston City Council that she researched local scrap-tire dump sites and described them as a significant fire and health hazard, saying that if a site "catch[es] on fire, it is toxic. You cannot put that out." She said she had contacted the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and had sent information to council members, the city manager and code enforcement and asked the city to organize a community meeting to show aerial images of the sites.

Robinson described the scale as "thousands" of tires and said 53-foot trailers look "like sticks among the tires" in aerial views. She urged a town meeting so residents could see the locations and understand the hazard.

David Baker followed with a brief remark asking to hear confirmation that the tire sites are in compliance and that the matter would go through the proper tracking process.

Council members acknowledged the comments, with one council member (identified in the transcript as Councilwoman Downey) saying she hears the concern and encouraging residents to keep the council informed. The transcript records statements that the city manager, Fred Upton, would do what he can to assist; no specific follow-up steps, timelines or compliance findings were recorded in the meeting transcript.