Full Notification

358 NW F Street Fire
FAQ/ Fact Sheet
As of 4/11/2023 at 23:15

1. Q:  What is the evacuation area?
   1. A: The evacuation area remains at 0.5 mile radius of the incident site (358 NW F St).  This is roughly an area from Sheridan St (east) to 700 Blk Indiana Ave (west) and NW L St (north) to Lincoln St (south)

2. Q:  Am I safe outside of the evacuation zone?
   1. A:  Outside of the evacuation zone and especially downwind (to the east, northeast) of the incident site (358 NW F St), residents should continue to shelter in place; keeping windows and doors closed, turning off HVAC units if they draw outside air, and keeping pets inside.

3. Q:  What if I smell smoke or smell a burnt plastic smell where I’m located?
   1. A:  Smoke is not good for anyone, especially those that are respiratory compromised due to preexisting conditions.  However, if you are in an area with excessive smoke or in the direct smoke plume

4. Q:  What if I am displaced.  Where can I stay?
   1. A:  Oak Park Pentecostal Church located at 1920 Chester Blvd, Richmond.  The shelter is being staffed by volunteers and those from the American Red Cross.  They are prepared to shelter residents overnight.

5. Q:  How do I get to the shelter if I don’t have any transportation?
   1. A:  The City of Richmond and Roseview Transit are providing bus transportation from the Welcome Inn (721 NW 5^th St) to the shelter throughout the overnight hours.  If you are unable to get to the pickup location, please call (765) 983-7580 to arrange for pick-up from your location.

6. Q:  Is the fire under control?
   1. A:  The fire is under control and not expected to spread to surrounding properties.  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.

7. Q:  Where and how did the fire start?
   1. A:  The cause of the fire is unknown and likely won’t be known until after the fire has been extinguished.  The State Fire Marshal’s Office is on scene to assist with the investigation.

8. Q:  What should I do if I find debris in my yard or on my property?
   1. A:  Leave any debris alone and do not disturb or touch the debris.  It is unknown what chemicals may or may not be in the debris.  Do not mow over debris to further disseminate the debris.  Once they determine what was burned, additional information will be shared how to dispose of the debris.

9. Q:  What are the health effects of this fire and the smoke?
   1. A: Exact effects are unknown since officials are unsure of what burned.  Primary concerns are for respiratory issues including shortness of breath, irritated skin, and burning/irritated eyes.  Those with respiratory issues should be especially cautious and seek medical advice or evaluation if breathing troubles arise.

10. Q:  Who is in charge of the incident?
    1. A: 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 Indiana Fire Marshal’s Office, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and several local departments.

11. Q:  When will it be safe to return to the area?  When can I go home?
    1. A: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an exact time or estimate when evacuation orders will be lifted.  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.

12.   Q:  How when I know it is safe to return to the area?  How will I be alerted to any changes?
    1. A:  The Wayne County Emergency Management Agency along with the City of Richmond will continue to keep their social media pages updated.  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

13.   Q:  How long will the investigation take?  When will we know definitive answers?
    1. A:  The investigation surrounding this fire will take several weeks.  Several agencies are going to be involved and it is important for those agencies to take their time to ensure an objective investigation.

14.   Q:  How can I help?  Do First Responders need any supplies?
    1. A:  At this time, donated supplies are not needed by responders.  There has been an outpouring of support and donated items already which is very appreciated.

15.   Q:  Will the morning commute be impacted by the fire?  Will schools or businesses close?
    1. A:  School officials have been apprised of the situation from the scene and provided with what little information is known and businesses will be making their own decisions on whether they will operate under normal or alternative practices.  If in question, please call ahead to the location to ensure they are open.

Instructions:

Evacuation radius remains overnight. Those downwind and in the immediate smoke plume, continue to shelter in place.