Global Courant 2023-04-13 07:09:43
A massive fire that broke out Tuesday afternoon at a plastic recycling plant in eastern Indiana is expected to burn for several more days as officials monitor the air around the clock for “asbestos-containing materials” and other toxic waste, the EPA said Wednesday.
About 2,000 people who live within 0.5 miles of the crime scene remained under evacuation orders Wednesday evening.
Richmond, Indiana residents who live outside the evacuation zone are advised to take safety precautions, including closing windows, turning off air conditioning and keeping pets indoors.
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The fire broke out in two warehouses containing large quantities of recyclable plastic for resale.
Fire chief Tim Brown said on Wednesday the plant had previously been issued a warrant on the basis of “unsafe building and unsafe premises” due to floor-to-ceiling plastic found in the buildings.
EPA officials are conducting “round-the-clock air monitoring” to check for asbestos and other toxic waste, though sample results aren’t expected in the coming days or weeks.
“Asbestos-containing materials may be present due to the age of the building,” the EPA said Wednesday.
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The cause of the fire is unclear. The Indiana State Fire Department said it will be “days” before investigators can get to the scene.
The scenes of black smoke billowing over neighborhoods were eerily similar to a train derailment earlier this year in eastern Palestine, Ohio, when several train cars carrying hazardous materials went off the tracks.
Residents there were evacuated ahead of a controlled burn by officials.
