5-alarm tire fire sends smoke over Bradenton; evacuations suggested

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A large fire broke out at a Bradenton tire business Thursday afternoon, the black smoke visible from miles away. 

The fire broke out at Callaghan Tires, located at 44th Avenue East and 15th Street.  44th Avenue E was closed from 9th Street E to 15th Street E for a good portion of the day Thursday.

Workers at neighboring businesses tell FOX 13 that the flames have caught some nearby brush on fire, raising the possibility that the fire may spread.

County officials were urging anyone in the area with respiratory issues to evacuate due to the heavy smoke. Southeast High released early, at 1:45 p.m.

There's no word yet on the cause of the blaze.