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8AuiAHYOU/THE <br /> At top right, flames erupt from the Royster Tire Disposal fire southwest of Tracy. A year later, tires still smolder and flames can still be seen at the site. <br /> Tire fires present piles of problems <br /> By KEN CARLSON Smoke rising 6,500 feet into the air was <br /> BEE STAFF WRITER }' <br /> visible from as far away as Sacramento and ;. <br /> Merced. But winds dispersed and diluted the <br /> TRACY—Soon after a tire pit ignited a <br /> particles that could be inhaled and gaseous �.� K .; <br /> year ago,officials decided to let the fire pollutants, minimizing the health risk, air- ` ' .� <br /> burn itself out. - ` <br /> quality officials later reported. £ d <br /> Today,they're still waiting. Fortunately,the winds kept most of the I ` f <br /> The best guess is that the smoldering nasty pollutants—hydrocarbons,carbon 3 <br /> remains of the tire pit southwest of Tracy will monoxide, hexavalent chromium and benzeneA <br /> cool by Jan. 1 and allow experts to assess the <br /> —away from people. -_ <br /> environmental fallout. When the tire pile went up in flames, it was 4 <br /> The blaze sent tons of gaseous pollutants an example of a problem that state and federal �> <br /> skyward, prompting voluntary evacuation of 3` <br /> environmental agencies have been <br /> nearby residents and health advisories telling <br /> people to stay indoors. SEE BACK PAGE,PILES A lock and chain close the Royster Tire Disposal pit to the public. <br />