Richmond fire: Schools canceled; about 2K evacuate

A large industrial fire at a facility in Richmond, Indiana, storing plastics and other recyclables has caused officials to order an evacuation of nearby areas.

The fire, at 358 NW F Street northwest of Richmond's downtown area, sent thick, choking clouds of black smoke high enough into the atmosphere they were visible on satellite radar.

"Evacuation orders for residents and persons within 0.5 miles of the incident has been issued. Those outside of the 0.5 mile and east/northeast (downwind) of the incident are encouraged to shelter in place. To shelter in place, turn off HVAC units, keep windows and doors closed, and bring pets inside until advised further," an alert from the Wayne County Emergency Management issued minutes before 4 p.m. stated.

"We have a serious, large-scale fire with a very thick plume of black smoke in the air," Richmond Mayor Dave Snow said. "Buses are being utilized to evacuate residents who need it."

Snow said the inferno at the facility was caused after a tractor-trailer truck caught fire and the blaze spread to the nearby building, which was storing plastic and other recycled materials.

Officials have said the smoke is toxic to breathe.

According to Snow, the Environmental Protection Agency and Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) are on site and evaluating any potential hazards resulting from the fire.

"We know there are toxic entities when you burn plastics and other types of materials like this," Snow said. "To what degree, that is what the EPA and IDEM are trying to evaluate now."

Thousands of Richmond residents evacuate after fire

The area within a half-mile radius of the fire was evacuated, affecting as many as 2,011 residents, according to officials with Wayne County Emergency Management.

As crews continue to battle the fire, Bethesda Ministries, 2200 Peacock Road, have opened their doors as a temporary shelter for those displaced in the evacuation zone, according to Wayne County Emergency Management.

Chief Mike Britt of the Richmond Police Department called the situation "a huge public hazard."

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

No residents have been injured as a result of the fire as of early Tuesday evening. One firefighter hurt their ankle while battling the blaze, Wayne County officials stated.

How long the fire could burn is still unknown.

"The fire chief tells me the fire is somewhat contained on three sides," Snow said at around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, adding that fire departments from around the area are offering assistance.

"The fire is at least contained on-site as of right now, but it's going to burn for a while," Snow said.

Supporting Richmond's fire department is the Wayne County Sherriff's Department, Indiana State Police, Cambridge City Fire Department, Boston (Indiana) Fire Department and Webster Township Fire Department, the Palladium-Item reported.

Schools in Richmond canceled after fire

Late Tuesday Richmond Community Schools announced classes and e-learning would be canceled for Wednesday.

Smoke from Richmond, Indiana, fire seen from space

Richmond is located on the Indiana-Ohio border roughly 70 miles from Indianapolis. Smoke from the fire could be seen on radar from National Weather Service in Indianapolis, as well as visible satellite images.

John Tufts covers evening breaking and trending news for the Indianapolis Star. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Zach Piatt is a reporter for The Palladium-Item and contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Richmond industrial fire: School canceled after