A large fire erupted at an Indiana recycling plant on Tuesday afternoon, prompting officials to issue an evacuation order for more than 2,000 residents within a half-mile radius of the Wayne County facility.
Local officials described the situation as a “large industrial fire,” with concerns about the potential toxicity of the smoke produced.
Approximately 2,011 residents were affected by the evacuation order, according to a representative from the Wayne County Emergency Management office.
Those downwind of the incident were advised to shelter in place. Indiana Fire Marshal Stephen Jones warned during a press briefing that the smoke was “definitely toxic,” adding that they might change the direction of evacuations based on wind patterns.
A firefighter sustained an ankle injury after falling down a ravine while responding to the scene. He received treatment at a local hospital and has since been released.
Richmond Fire Chief Tim Brown reported that the fire, which started sometime after 2 p.m. local time, had been contained but was expected to continue burning for several days. Jones confirmed that air monitoring was being conducted around the area.
The plant, situated near the Indiana-Ohio border, processes recyclables, including plastics.
Jones expressed concerns about the variety of chemicals released when plastics burn.
Richmond Mayor Dave Snow referred to the incident as a “worst-case scenario” in a phone interview with ABC News, voicing concerns about the town’s air quality.
Snow urged residents to minimize their exposure to the black smoke and stay away from the affected area, stressing the importance of protecting their health.
Richmond resident Aaron Stevens, who lives about half a mile from the plant, told ABC News that he saw a “huge pillar of smoke” and heard “explosions and pops” from his home. He also reported a burning odor in the air.
Stevens, whose home is within the evacuation zone, chose not to leave due to a knee injury but said he had a plan if another evacuation alert were issued.
“If it gets to the point where I realize that this is really going to be unsafe, I’m within just a minute or two away from having someone come and get me,” he explained.
Another Richmond resident, Brad Walton, described a smell reminiscent of burning tires from his home, located about five miles from the fire.
“It’s just not a good smell,” Walton told ABC News, noting that he could see the smoke plume from Hamilton, Ohio, approximately 35 miles away.
The large-scale evacuation and air quality concerns highlight the potential hazards associated with industrial fires, particularly at facilities that handle potentially toxic materials.
The ongoing monitoring efforts and evacuation orders aim to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the affected areas.