A tire fire at the Saskatoon Auto Mall Wednesday morning forced crews to call for backup.

The fire department received a number of calls shortly after 10 a.m. about a fire at the Kia dealership on Brand Road. Thick smoke and fire were coming from a fenced off area that contained tires when crews arrived.

The first crew on scene immediately called for additional firefighters. Six fire engines, an aerial truck and 21 firefighters were sent to the blaze.

Crews were able to extinguish the fire and prevent flames from spreading to nearby buildings.

The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.