A major fire at a recycling factory in Indiana has been put out, authorities announced Thursday, April 13, but more than 2,000 people are still being advised to evacuate their homes.
Mayor of Richmond Dave Snow tweeted, "The fire has been fully extinguished ahead of schedule. We're now able to turn our attention to collecting air and water samples to determine when the evacuation order can be lifted."
Just received a call from our Fire Chief, Tim Brown. The fire has been fully extinguished ahead of schedule. We're now able to turn our attention to collecting air and water samples to determine when the evacuation order can be lifted. Our Fire Dept is to be highly commended.
— Dave Snow (@mayordavesnow) April 14, 2023
Evacuation Order Has Not Been Lifted
Local authorities in Richmond, Indiana, issued mandatory evacuation orders on Tuesday afternoon, April 11, for anybody living within a half-mile perimeter of the factory due to a "large industrial fire."
According to the Wayne County Emergency Management Office, the evacuation zone includes 2,011 people.
In a report by ABC News, the government has not given them the green light to go back to their houses yet. Officials also advise those downwind of the event to stay inside.
On Thursday, April 13, officials arranged transportation so that individuals could return home immediately to collect medicine or attend to other requirements.
Snow claims that those who choose to return home would be accompanied by police, required to wear an N95 mask, and allowed just a little window of time to enter the area.
Indiana State Fire Marshal Stephen Jones earlier warned reporters, "The smoke is definitely toxic," at a news conference. He said the locals must be kept out of the smoke. He also confirmed that the evacuation routes might need to be adjusted if the wind shifts.
Health Issues Persist for Locals
Christine Stinson, the director of the Wayne County Health Department, mentioned to CNN that particulate matter (fine particles found in smoking) is the top health issue for people. She advised that anyone who smells smoke or has symptoms should leave the area, even if they are wearing an N95 mask.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring but exceedingly poisonous mineral that was formerly frequently utilized as insulation due to the building's antiquity, is another potential problem.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said late Wednesday, April 12, that it was inspecting the region, including school grounds, for probable asbestos-containing fire debris.
Assessment continues as the smoke clears, but as of midmorning of Wednesday, the EPA has identified no traces of dangerous compounds like styrene or benzene in the air.
Richard Peltier said that exposure to such chemicals at high concentrations over an extended length of time might raise the risk of cancer. Peltier is an associate professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Symptoms, including lightheadedness, nausea, coughing, headaches, and exhaustion, have been linked to short-term exposure. Peltier reportedly advised people with asthma to be extra cautious.
