Large scale fire causing evacuation order and shelter in place in Richmond, Indiana
The smoke from the fire ata plastic recycling plant in Richmond, Indiana is “definitely toxic,” according to Steve Jones, Indiana State Fire Marshal.
Officials are urging ANY Richmond resident with difficulties breathing to stay inside or move out of the area. They are also urging residents to bring all pets inside.
The directions of evacuations in Richmond may change depending on the direction that the wind is blowing.
“You can protect in place if the smoke isn’t took thick in the community, just stay inside, get your pets inside. If there is a lot of smoke, they need to get out of it, find a temporary place to say,” said Jones.
Jones also said that the fire is going to continue burning for a few days, although it is contained to a certain area.
The large-scale fire in Richmond was caused by a semi-trailer that caught fire behind the main building, which eventually spread. The semi-trailer behind the main fire building was fully involved and fully loaded with unknown types of plastics.
The fire spread from the semi-trailer to other piles of plastic as well.
“We only had one access to where the fire was, all of the other access points were blocked by piles of plastic. Once the fire got out of control, we backed out real quick,” said Richmond Fire Chief Tim Brown.
Dispatch says that there are no injuries reported so far. They also said that all of Richmond’s fire crews, they have 5 fire stations, have been dispatched to the scene.
The Wayne County Emergency Management Agency is also requesting mutual aid from other agencies.
RICHMOND, Indiana (WKEF) — There is a large scale fire at 358 northwest F Street in Richmond, Indiana that has caused an evacuation order.
Richmond Mayor Dave Snow took to Facebook on Tuesday afternoon, saying that the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency has issued an Evacuation/Shelter In Place order.
He said that the large fire is causing the Evacuation/Shelter in Place for residents within 0.5 miles of the incident.
He also says that those outside of the 0.5 mile and “east/northeast (downwind)” of the incident are encouraged to shelter in place.
Mayor Snow says that to shelter in place, turn off HVAC units, keep windows and doors closed, and bring pets inside until you receive more information.
The following are the instructions from Mayor Snow:
“Evacuation orders for residents and persons within 0.5 miles of the incident has been issued. Those outside of the 0.5 miles and east/northeast (downwind) of the incident are encouraged to shelter in place.”
If you are in the area, call 911 for any emergency, and 765-973-9399 for non-emergencies.
