Now officially closed, Bee Jay Auto Wrecking is welcoming the community to take free tires from its property in appreciation for all the business it has received over the years.
"We're shutting down so I just thought I could give back to the community in a strange sort of way," said Tiki Preeper, one of the owners of Bee Jay Auto Wrecking & Towing. "It's a great way to say thanks for all of your business."
Preeper said tires of all sorts are available for free, but you normally have to go looking for them.
"You need to spend time matching them up," Preeper said, explaining that the owners are busy with other projects and with shutting the business down. She said there are two areas to look through the tires and match them up, though some are already together.
Preeper also said they would not be taking any phone calls or messages but those seeking some free tires can come by Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to pick some out.
Tires of all kinds are available completely for free, "the good, the bad, the ugly," Preeper said.
Some are good to put on vehicles, and others can be used for projects such as tire swings or goat jumping. People are welcome to go grab tires from Bee Jays anytime except on Saturday and Sunday until they are all out.
Prepper's husband Ken bought Bee Jays in 1992 after working there since 1987. The business was hit hard in July 2024 during the River Valley fire in Williams Lake and was also among four locations across the city where fires sparked overnight on June 11.
While they are retiring from the auto-wrecking side of the business, Preeper said they will continue to provide towing services.
"Towing is still going strong," she said.
