A fire at an Indiana recycling plant forced over 2,000 people to evacuate, according to state police.
The fire occurred in Richmond, about 70 miles east of Indianapolis near the Ohio border.
BREAKING: Indiana fire at recycling plant prompts evacuation of more than 2,000 residents https://t.co/wdk7oCU5ru
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 12, 2023
"Indiana State Police said the blaze was at the former Hoffco factory, which closed in 2009," Fox News reported.
"Wayne County EMA said the evacuation order applied to residents and persons within 0.5 miles of the fire. Those outside that zone were advised to keep windows closed and pets inside," it added.
Please see attached map of evacuation zone. pic.twitter.com/mnDbZtu8ox
— Dave Snow (@mayordavesnow) April 11, 2023
“The smoke is definitely toxic,” said Steve Jones, the Indiana State Fire Marshall on scene, according to FOX 59.
“This fire is going to burn for a few days,” Jones added.
Evacuation orders have been issued for Richmond, Indiana residents who live within a half mile of the fire below
“The smoke is definitely toxic,” a fire marshall said. “This fire is going to burn for a few days.” https://t.co/2hMk7xzKMk https://t.co/L2aCGm2ao6
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 11, 2023
The fire is contained, according to officials, CBS 4 reported.
“The fire was fully involved,” Richmond Fire Chief Tim Brown said in the report. “It was fully loaded with unknown types of plastics. Filled wall to wall.”
The massive fire comes shortly after a train derailment in neighboring Ohio led to a massive toxic fire that became the focus of national news over concerns to local residents.
The latest fire at the recycling plant covers a massive area of over 175,000 square feet, leaving fire officials to deal with a giant cleanup as they seek to stop the fire.
No injuries were reported but the many evacuations could lead to legal claims in the days ahead against those responsible or the site's owners.
