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August 25, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mike North
209-726-2744 or Mike.North@countyofmerced.com
Public Health Alert Issued Following Large Tire Fire in Ballico
MERCED COUNTY—Due to a large tire fire currently burning at a recycling center in the 13000 block of Newport Road in Ballico, the Merced County Department of Public Health has issued a Health Alert (see below) urging residents in the area and those affected by smoke to take precautions to reduce their exposure to potentially unhealthy air.
Because of the nature of the fire and the materials involved, the fire is expected to continue burning for an extended period, potentially up to a week.
Residents are advised to:
- Stay indoors when possible and cancel or postpone outdoor activities.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Run air conditioning systems and use household air purifiers or other air filtration devices when available.
- Follow recommendations from medical professionals and local health authorities.
- Avoid the area of the fire and allow emergency crews to safely manage the incident.
Residents who can smell smoke and/or see ash should consider that an indication they may be experiencing poor air quality and should take steps to reduce their exposure.
Merced County Cooling Zones are available to provide residents with relief from the heat and will also serve as clean air centers for those seeking a reprieve from smoke. N95 masks will be available at these locations for anyone who would like one.
Residents should be aware that standard surgical or non-N95 masks are not effective at filtering smoke particles. N95 masks provide better protection when properly fitted and worn.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has also issued an Air Quality Alert for Merced County due to potential smoke impacts from the tire fire.
The Valley Air District is working with the Merced County Fire Department, Merced County Office of Emergency Services, and other local partners to assess potential impacts while monitoring air quality conditions.
Schools in the affected areas are advised to monitor the latest air quality conditions and follow the Valley Air District's Outdoor Activity Guidance for Schools to help safeguard student health. For the latest fire and air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.
The potential for air quality impacts will remain until the fire is extinguished and smoke conditions diminish.
Newport Road is currently closed between Sunny Acres Avenue and W. East Avenue. Residents and motorists are asked to avoid the area until the fire is extinguished and to allow emergency crews room to safely respond to the incident.
Updated road closure and incident information is available at PerimeterMap.
Merced County and its local partners will continue to monitor the incident and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
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HEALTH ALERT: Ballico Tire Fire Smoke Impacts Local Air Quality
As of 2:30 PM on Monday, August 24, approximately 9,000 tons of outdoor tire storage material are burning at 13000 block of Newport Road in Ballico. Active burning is expected to continue for an extended period of time. Weather conditions are trapping heavy smoke low to the ground across Ballico and downwind communities. Temporary particulate monitors (PM2.5) are being deployed to support air quality assessment.
Merced County Department of Public Health is issuing this alert to ensure residents understand the current smoke impacts and know how to protect their health. Air sensors are helpful tools, but are limited in parts of Merced County. If you can smell smoke, burning rubber, or can see haze, you should remain indoors or take other immediate protective action.
School Guidance
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Schools should not close or cancel classes.
- All physical education, recess, and after-school athletics should be moved indoors or canceled, especially if smoke or rubber can be smelled in the air, regardless of the air quality data.
Recommended Actions for Residents
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Sensitive Groups: Children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with heart or lung conditions (like asthma or COPD) should strictly limit outdoor exposure and stay indoors, and should wear a N95 protective mask if going outside.
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Outdoor workers: Should wear a N95 protective mask if not possible to limit outdoor exposure.
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Indoor Air: Keep doors and windows closed. Home HVAC systems should be set to recirculate indoor air.
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DIY Fan Filters: Residents can create an effective room filter by taping a MERV 13 (or higher) furnace filter to the intake side of a standard box fan to filter rubber particulate matter. Valley Air District: How to make a DIY Air Purifier https://youtu.be/KbDqgnIlJvU?si=4542O-l6nksW3KQm
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Cooling and Clean Air Zones: To prevent heat-related illness while doors/windows are closed, residents without home air conditioning should utilize local designated public cooling zones. During cooling zone activations, The Bus provides free rides on all existing fixed routes, and passengers can get off at any designated stop near a cooling zone. Find the list here: https://www.countyofmerced.com/4232/Cooling-Zones
Medical Care
Anyone experiencing severe shortness of breath, chest pain, continuous wheezing, or dizziness should contact a healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this Health Alert, contact the Merced County Department of Public Health at (209) 381-1025, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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Health Alert 26-01
Categories of Public Health Communication:
Health Alert: conveys the highest level of importance; requires immediate action or attention.
Health Advisory: provides important information on a public health matter; may not require immediate action.
Health Update: provides updated information on a public health matter; immediate action is not likely required.
Health Information: provides general health information which is not considered to be of emergent nature.
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