Large Industrial Fire Breaks Out in Richmond Tuesday
April 12, 2023 at 7:05 p.m.
On April 11, just before 3 p.m., Richmond Mayor Dave Snow advised several emergency units were on scene at a large-scale fire in process at 358 N.W. F St in Richmond. Just before 4 p.m., the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency issued evacuation orders for residents and persons within 0.5 miles of the fire. Those outside the 0.5-mile radius and downwind of the fire were encouraged to shelter in place. A few hours later, Richmond Police Department Fire Chief Brown announced the industrial fire on the city's northwest side was contained on three sides.
Throughout the evening, Snow kept the community updated through his official Facebook page and reported that the Environmental Protection Agency and Indiana Department of Environmental Management were on site evaluating any potential hazards from the fire. As a result, the evacuation order remained in effect throughout Tuesday night and into Wednesday.
"Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an exact time or estimate when evacuation orders will be lifted," said the Wayne County EMA in an update given at about 11 p.m. on Tuesday. "We are waiting on air monitoring testing and results, which can take several hours to return from the EPA's labs. Preliminary field testing results should begin to return by daybreak."
Residents can stay updated by following the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency and the City of Richmond social media pages for updates. Wayne County EMA also utilizes Everbridge Nixle alerts which are also used to push out information. You may subscribe to receive these alerts by texting your zip code to "888-777" or online at www.nixle.com.
According to the Wayne County EMA, the cause of the fire is unknown and likely won't be known until after the fire has been extinguished. The Richmond Fire Department is the responsible agency but is being assisted by multiple surrounding agencies within and around the county. Agencies at the scene include the Indiana Fire Marshal's Office, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and several local departments. The investigation surrounding the fire is expected to take several weeks.
Snow also acknowledged the community’s support in his updates. "I just got an update from Assistant Chief Joe Buckler," Snow said. "Our fire department appreciates all the donations of food, water, and other supplies that have come to Station 1. Right now, they have enough to get through this event. Thank you to everyone who has helped or offered support to our brave first responders today."
Efforts to extinguish the fire continued throughout the overnight hours, according to Snow. "We are continuing operations through overnight hours. A bus will remain available for evacuation needs. I am staying in contact with our fire department, police department, and Wayne County Emergency Management Agency and will continue to relay information as it is available."
Because of the nature of the fire and the fuel it is burning, it is expected to continue burning and producing smoke, soot, and ash for several more days. Richmond Community Schools were closed corporation-wide on Wednesday, April 12.
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On April 11, just before 3 p.m., Richmond Mayor Dave Snow advised several emergency units were on scene at a large-scale fire in process at 358 N.W. F St in Richmond. Just before 4 p.m., the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency issued evacuation orders for residents and persons within 0.5 miles of the fire. Those outside the 0.5-mile radius and downwind of the fire were encouraged to shelter in place. A few hours later, Richmond Police Department Fire Chief Brown announced the industrial fire on the city's northwest side was contained on three sides.
Throughout the evening, Snow kept the community updated through his official Facebook page and reported that the Environmental Protection Agency and Indiana Department of Environmental Management were on site evaluating any potential hazards from the fire. As a result, the evacuation order remained in effect throughout Tuesday night and into Wednesday.
"Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an exact time or estimate when evacuation orders will be lifted," said the Wayne County EMA in an update given at about 11 p.m. on Tuesday. "We are waiting on air monitoring testing and results, which can take several hours to return from the EPA's labs. Preliminary field testing results should begin to return by daybreak."
Residents can stay updated by following the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency and the City of Richmond social media pages for updates. Wayne County EMA also utilizes Everbridge Nixle alerts which are also used to push out information. You may subscribe to receive these alerts by texting your zip code to "888-777" or online at www.nixle.com.
According to the Wayne County EMA, the cause of the fire is unknown and likely won't be known until after the fire has been extinguished. The Richmond Fire Department is the responsible agency but is being assisted by multiple surrounding agencies within and around the county. Agencies at the scene include the Indiana Fire Marshal's Office, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and several local departments. The investigation surrounding the fire is expected to take several weeks.
Snow also acknowledged the community’s support in his updates. "I just got an update from Assistant Chief Joe Buckler," Snow said. "Our fire department appreciates all the donations of food, water, and other supplies that have come to Station 1. Right now, they have enough to get through this event. Thank you to everyone who has helped or offered support to our brave first responders today."
Efforts to extinguish the fire continued throughout the overnight hours, according to Snow. "We are continuing operations through overnight hours. A bus will remain available for evacuation needs. I am staying in contact with our fire department, police department, and Wayne County Emergency Management Agency and will continue to relay information as it is available."
Because of the nature of the fire and the fuel it is burning, it is expected to continue burning and producing smoke, soot, and ash for several more days. Richmond Community Schools were closed corporation-wide on Wednesday, April 12.