A fire at a recycling plant in Indiana led to the eviction of more than 2,000 people this Tuesday. According to the Indiana State Police, the Hoffco company was the epicenter of the fire. The factory, which closed in 2009, burst into flames in the city of Richmond, Indiana, causing toxic smoke emissions.
BREAKING:
New video of a massive warehouse fire, allegedly being used for storage, in Richmond, Indiana.
Contents of fire are unknown, but believed to be hazardous to health.
There is an evacuation within 0.5 miles and smoke can be seen up to 50 miles away in western Ohio. pic.twitter.com/LkAcMRzRBr
— Evan Kilgore 🇺🇸 (@EvanAKilgore) April 11, 2023
The town's mayor, Dave Snow, described the fire as a "serious, large-scale fire" and advised Indiana citizens to stay away from the plastics factory to facilitate the work of first responders:
We have a serious, large-scale fire on NW F Street of Richmond. Many units are on scene. Please avoid this area if possible, as it is dangerous, and allow our first responders room to get this under control.
— Dave Snow (@mayordavesnow) April 11, 2023
Evacuating the vicinity of the fire
In view of the emission of toxic gases, the medical assistance services from Wayne County (EMA) has issued an evacuation order to the residents and individuals who were within 0.5 miles of the fire, which the authorities estimated at more than 2,000 people. Residents living outside the evacuation zone but in the vicinity were also advised to keep windows closed and to keep pets indoors:
There is a large industrial fire at 358 NW F St in Richmond, Indiana. 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.
Indianas State Fire Marshal, Steve Jones, alerted citizens about the fumes emitted from the fire. In declarations collected by Europa Press, Jones assured that the smoke is "definitely toxic":
There is a host of different chemicals that plastics give off when they’re on fire, and it’s concerning and we want to make for sure we give people heads-up on an evacuation.
