A barrier wall made up of tires and foam pads erupted into flames Saturday afternoon when a motorcycle crashed into them at Road Atlanta.
The crash happened during a race at the track on Winder Highway in Braselton, Hall County Fire officials say.
Firefighters were called to the track around 4 p.m. on May 27. Two units responded and found a tire fire lining part of the 2.5-mile-long road course.
“About 1,000 tires were involved, which created a tall column of black smoke seen for miles,” says HCFR Public Information Officer Kimberlie Ledsinger.
The motorcyclist was not injured and walked away from the crash. The racetrack medical team evaluated the driver.
Firefighters used foam and a large amount of water to put out the fire. It took them about an hour to smother the flames, says Ledsinger. Crews were still on the scene around 6 p.m. putting out hot spots.
Two tenders from North Jackson and Jackson Trail Fire Department and one engine from West Jackson were called to assist with the water supply.
