BRISTOW, Okla. — Oklahoma Tire Recyclers Plant can no longer process tires after the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued an emergency letter Friday, officially suspending the company’s permit.

Bristow Firefighters continued to monitor the fire Monday, a week since the fire started.

Bristow Fire Chief, Charles Conkling, expressed his frustration about the recycling plant, calling it a hazard and that fire crews worked a similar sized fire at the plant earlier this year. The DEQ found violations following an inspection around that time.

Friday’s order says the owners of the plant have 15 days to request a hearing to review ongoing non-compliance issues.

“Were the facility not to request a hearing, the permit would be officially rescinded, and they would then not be able to conduct business. Issues of compliance and penalties will be addressed in an enforcement order. Also, EPA will be onsite until the fire is completely out,” says Erin Hatfield, Communications Director for the DEQ.

The DEQ says if the company does not request a hearing, they could stay closed, losing their permit all together.

FOX23 has reached out to the plant several times for comment but have not yet heard back.

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