Illegal tire dumping is becoming a growing problem in Southern California’s national forests, with nearly 300 tires already discovered and the number continuing to rise. Officials say the practice not only creates an unsightly mess but also poses serious risks to public health, the environment, and wildfire prevention efforts.“Tire dumping is a serious problem,” said Forest Protection Officer Steve Thomsen. “It’s costly to clean up and can spark wildfires—which, in Southern California, can have devastating consequences.” Thomsen added that dumped tires can leak toxic chemicals into the soil and attract rodents and insects that spread disease, ultimately harming natural ecosystems and burdening taxpayers with cleanup costs.[caption id="attachment_106804" align="alignce
