...By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
Massive Fire in Indiana Plastic Recycling Factory Prompts Evacuation of Residents
Introduction: A massive fire broke out at a plastic recycling factory in Richmond, Indiana, causing columns of black smoke to rise into the air.
The fire started after a tractor-trailer truck caught fire, which in turn set alight the My Way Trading Warehouse that was storing plastic and recycled materials.
Indiana State Fire Marshall Steve Jones speculated the blaze would be toxic, and authorities determined a half-mile evacuation zone from the site.
Residents Flee Amid Fire and Concerns
The news of the fire prompted residents to evacuate their homes, with authorities warning that the fire could burn for days and may contain toxic fumes.
Brenda Jerrell, who lived inside the evacuation zone, fled the area with no shoes or purse.
Authorities were concerned about the fumes from the plastic and stated that irritation may occur.
EPA Monitoring Air Quality
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) arrived on the scene on Tuesday evening and has been monitoring the air quality 24 hours a day.
The EPA stated it has yet to detect any toxic chemicals in the area.
However, Jones remains worried that the fumes from the plastic could turn toxic, saying, “There is a host of different chemicals that plastics give off when they’re on fire, and it’s concerning.”
Evacuation and Quarantine Zones Ordered
The city ordered a half-mile evacuation zone from the fire, affecting around 2,000 residents.
Those outside the zone have been asked to shelter in place or to wear an N95 mask if they smell smoke.
Jones said the quarantined area could change depending on which way the wind blows.
Environmental Concerns Raised Due to Similar Incident
The fire raised concerns because it resembled the neighboring plume that occurred after a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which was carrying hazardous chemicals and contaminated soil in February.
Contaminants were leaked into the surrounding environment, killing thousands of fish.
Despite the widespread concern, Norfolk Southern said in February that “substantial contamination” in soil and water had been removed.
However, the EPA has stated that more than 17,000 tons of toxic soil remain and will still need to be removed.
The fire at the plastic recycling factory in Indiana has caused concern among residents and authorities, with a half-mile evacuation zone ordered.
The incident has also raised environmental concerns due to the similarity to the East Palestine train derailment, which resulted in contamination of soil and water.
The EPA is monitoring the air quality, but authorities remain worried about the potential for toxic fumes.
