Air Quality Is Safe Despite Burning Rubber, Officials Say

What was once Jimmy’s Tire Shop is now soot and ash. A small building at the intersection of 12th and K Streets and Florida Avenue went up in flames at about 1:30 p.m. last Monday. Shortly after firefighters arrived to douse the flames, the fire on 12th Street triggered an explosion at Jimmy’s Tire Shop, located at 1215 K St., N.E. Ten fire engines were sent to the scene, and the fires at both buildings were contained by 5:30 p.m., according to D.C. Council member Tommy Wells. Local residents of Northeast D.C. complained of the foul odor from the burning rubber and the thick black smoke that filled the area for hours. Wells assured residents, through his Web site, that despite the unsightly smoke, the air quality was deemed safe by fire and environmental officials. The fire left surrounding stores closed for the next few days, but it is now business as usual. Jimmy’s Tire Shop, which has been on Florida Avenue for three decades, was owned by Rick Colburn, who has not been available for comment.