Tire company burning in north Fulton

By Alexis Stevens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Firefighters now have the Torres Tire Company blaze under control in north Fulton county near the Cherokee County line.

The fire on Arnold Mill Road apparently began when a spark hit some gas fumes, according to Paul Piccirilli, assistant fire chief for Roswell.

No injuries have been reported, but the building is a total loss, Piccirilli said. Between 30 to 40 cars parked at the auto repair shop were also destroyed.

The blaze also came within feet of at least two other businesses, but firefighters were able to contain it. At 4 p.m., firefighters were focusing on hot spots under the collapsed building, Piccirilli said.

The fire began around 1 p.m., according to Sheryl Casher who lives across the street from the business.

"It's scary," said Casher, who was standing outside of her home around 2 p.m., listening to what sounded like explosions. "I think I'm going to get a hotel room tonight."

Casher's 12-year-old grandson is one of five students in the area who couldn't be dropped off on school buses, due to the road being blocked. Parents were asked to pick up the students at school, according to Susan Hale, spokeswoman for Fulton County schools.

Arnold Mill Road, which is also known as Highway 140, is expected to be closed for a few hours.