hiya advice needed

jsd

Member
Hi all I'm looking for some advice!! I'm technical manager of a small theatre in south of Ireland. I am wondering if any one has an opinion on the use of used car tyres as a set. I have concerns about the toxicity of the smoke however the likelyhood of the tyres being the source of a fire is low. The regulations here are unclear! Regards Scott
 
Jsd,
Why would there be a fire? Do you intend on burning the car tyres on set? That would raise a lot of issues, including fire codes, environmental restrictions, etc. If the tyres are not going to be burned, it shouldn't really be an issue. If you need to make it look like they are burning, can I suggest a cleverly-hidden fog machine, and some EFX lighting? Is there anything near the tyres that could possibly ignite them? Rubber is quite difficult to ignite, but once it's burning it's darn near impossible to put out, so keep that in mind.

I would appreciate any clarification.

Thanks
-Max
 
Your next biggest problem may end up being disposal of the tires at the end of the show's run (assuming that you have alot of tires). In many (most, all?) places in the US, one has to pay a cost per tire to get rid of them. I would expect Ireland to have similar rules and fees.

Joe
 
Howdy and Welcome.
I think you'll find the biggest issues with used tires < tyres> will be the dirty factor and the Poky Steel factor. Used tires are extremely likely to transfer grit, grime and black stuff onto everything they come in contact with. A thorough cleaning with a wire brush and soapy water will help alleviate a lot of this, using paint to the put the dirt back on them will help even more as it will seal the exterior of the tire. < tyre>
The Poky steel issue is one you have to confront at the time you procure the tires, if the tread is sufficiently worn to a point that the steel cables on the interior are poking out don't use 'em, unless of course they are somewhere way far away from human activity. You will of course need to make sure your carps < chippeys:)> are informed of the potential poke hazards. Puncture wounds are the worst; they hurt the most, they have much more potential to become infected, and they hurt!

If there is any chance of the tires being exposed to and open flame or any other combustion source, then my choice would be to use something else. When exposed to open flame tires can catch fire extremely quickly and once burning they are intensely hot and extremely difficult to extinguish, That why you see them burning in the streets at a riot, it's easier to just let them burn out than try to extinguish them.
Good luck.
 
Thanks for that. All your answers are pretty much the way I have been thinking. The tyres will be clean and free from wires also no flame will be allowed near them. Luckily the production company will have to dispose of the tyres themselves! Regards Scott
 
Derek,
In my experience, Rubber will ignite only if the ignition source is hot enough and present long enough to push it to it's combustion temperature. E.G. holding a match under a tire will not get the tire burning, it will just make a pretty nasty smell. But if you hold a propane blow torch underneath it, the propane burns a lot hotter and the fuel will last a lot longer, therefore enabling you to light the tire on fire.

Just my $0.02
 
I would call the local fire authorities to make sure they aren't going to shut you down if they find out about the tires. It sounds to me like one of those things that isn't in the code but a local authority might decide they don't like it and not allow it.

Also try working out a deal with a local tire dealer to borrow (or rent) some old tires they would normal dispose of for the run of the show, then give them back to the dealer to dispose of. That way you don't have to deal with the disposal. Offer some free advertising in the program in exchange for doing it for free.
 
(Kids, don't try this at home, but) Which is it?

Scientific evidence here.

Both; As stated, rubber can be exposed to high heat without igniting, however direct contact with an open flame can result in combustion. As the two items can be drastically different, one is a source of oxidation, the other a source of radiant energy, the quote stands.
 

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