Indiana Fire: Recycling Plant Bursts Into Flame; Over 2000 Residents Evacuate

After a massive fire broke out at an Indiana recycling plant on Tuesday afternoon, authorities ordered the evacuation of over 2,000 nearby residents, per Fox News.

The City of Richmond, roughly 70 miles east of Indianapolis and close to Ohio's western border, is where the fire started.

The Indiana fire occurred at the former Hoffoc factory, which has been closed since 2009, according to Indiana State Police.

Residents and those within 0.5 miles of the fire were told to evacuate by Wayne County EMA, and residents living outside the danger zone were urged to keep their windows and pets indoors.

During his press conference, Mayor Dave Snow of Richmond called it a "serious, large-scale fire."

"Many units are on scene," Snow said. "Please avoid this area if possible, as it is dangerous, and allow our first responders room to get this under control."

The smoke is toxic and will burn for several days, according to an Indiana State Fire Marshall on the scene.

A Tractor Caused the Indiana Recycling Plant to Burst Into Flame

A tractor-trailer truck caught fire, and the flames quickly spread to the adjoining building where recyclables were being stored, according to Snow, The Enquirer reported.

The EPA and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) have been on the scene to assess the damage and the risks posed by the Indiana fire.

"We know there are toxic entities when you burn plastics and other materials like this," Snow said. "To what degree? That is what the EPA and IDEM are trying to evaluate now."

Wayne County Emergency Management reports that those forced to evacuate the area can find temporary refuge at Bethesda Ministries, located at 2200 Peacock Road, while the firefighters continue to contain the fire.

Meanwhile, authorities are having trouble with the bystanders approaching the scene, per Richmond Police Department Chief Mike Britt, calling the incident "a huge public hazard."

There are no recorded injuries among the residents as of Tuesday night, but a firefighter injured his ankle while battling the fire, according to Wayne County officials.

Indiana Recycling Plant Owner Called Multiple Times Before the Fire

The recycling plant owner has been called before regarding the property being unsafe, said Richmond Fire Chief Tim Brown, as reported by WHIOTV7.

Six buildings were filled with plastic near several semi-trailers, and the fire crews have been telling them to clean up the buildings several times.

Richmond firefighters were dispatched to NW F Street just after 2 p.m. after multiple complaints reported massive columns of black smoke emanating from a nearby Indiana recycling plant.

Firefighters responded to the area and discovered a semi-trailer burning in the building's back, from which the flames swiftly spread to several stacks of plastic around.

Firefighters are expected to be working through the night and into Wednesday, said Brown.

All six buildings have been destroyed.

After the fire started on Tuesday afternoon in Richmond, several stores and restaurants were evacuated, said Pal Item.

All after-school programs in the Richmond Community Schools district have been canceled.

Meanwhile, RFD is "very appreciative" of the community's generosity in donating food, water, and other necessities, said Mayor Snow.

The Indiana firefighters have ample supplies to get through the incident, according to Assistant Chief Joe Buckler.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

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