Richmond industrial fire forces evacuation/shelter in place order; schools closed Wednesday

RICHMOND, Ind. — That large cloud of black, dark gray smoke seen over Richmond Tuesday was coming from a "serious, large-scale" industrial fire at 358 NW F St.

The Wayne County Emergency Management Agency issued an evacuation/shelter-in-place order for anyone within a half mile of the fire. Anyone east/northeast of the fire (downwind of the smoke) is encouraged to stay inside. That order is still in place, as RFD continues to work through the situation on scene, and has no timetable for being lifted at this time. A bus and shelters are in place to assist any citizens in need. If you need a ride, call 983-7580. If you need shelter, call 973-9399.

Late Tuesday night, Richmond Community Schools announced via Twitter that schools would be closed Wednesday and e-learning would not be offered.

"Under the guidance of our Emergency Management Agency (EMA)," read the tweet, "the decision has been made to close all Richmond Community Schools for Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

"There will be NO e-learning, and everyone is encouraged to follow the shelter-in-place order instituted by our EMA. Faculty and staff are not required to work from home and are not permitted to be in their school buildings."

The Richmond Police Department (RPD) is working a supporting role to the Richmond Fire Department (RFD). RPD is assisting with evacuations and keeping people outside the half-mile limits. RPD Chief Mike Britt said it's "impossible to tell" if the evacuations were completely effective, but he still has numerous officers on the ground working on that.

According to Richmond Mayor Dave Snow's Twitter updates, RFD Chief Tim Brown said his team quickly contained three sides of the fire and focused much of its time working to contain the east side to prevent any spreading. The Environmental Protection Agency and Indiana Department of Environmental Management are still on site and evaluating any potential hazards resulting from the fire.

What started the fire is unknown at this point, but you could see from a block west of the fire RFD hosing down a large propane tank on the side of the building.

Britt called the situation "a huge public hazard."

“We’ve had quite the problem with bystanders moving in close to the fire," Britt said. "This has been an explosion hazard since the first flames. We’ve had numerous explosions.”

Some people took to social media to show their viewpoints. According to multiple Twitter posts, you can see the smoke from Connersville, Indiana, and just southeast of Oxford, Ohio. That smoke is expected to continue for the next several days.

“Please try to restrain yourself," Britt said. "You shouldn’t have to get up close to this fire to see it. You can see it from several miles away. Bear in mind and have the common courtesy that, if you’re inside the hot zone and one of my people has to go in and get you out, that’s two people at risk. That’s how I view it, so please do us the courtesy of keeping a safe distance.”

Also assisting RFD Tuesday were the Wayne County Sherriff's Department, Indiana State Police, Cambridge City Fire Department, Boston (Indiana) Fire Department, Webster Township Fire Department and others. While the circumstances certainly aren't positive, Britt said it's good to know outside support is willing to help.

“This is one of those times when a lot of different agencies get together and team up to take care of the problem," Britt said. "It’s good to know that, in the time of need, emergency services in the community come together. It really works. We have good communications in place, and I think it’s been effective.”

Various businesses and restaurants in Richmond closed soon after the fire started Tuesday afternoon. Richmond Community Schools canceled all after-school activities in the area.

According to Snow's updates, RFD is "very appreciative" of all the food, water and other supplies donated by community members. Assistant Chief Joe Buckler said they have enough to get through this event.

Note: All information is as of 9 a.m. April 12. This story will be updated.

Zach Piatt is a reporter for The Palladium-Item. Contact him at zpiatt@gannett.com or on Twitter @zachpiatt13.

This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: Indiana industrial fire: Evacuation/shelter in place order in Richmond