Full Notification

358 NW F Street Fire
FAQ/ Fact Sheet
As of 4/13/2023 at 18:25; (6:25pm EST)
 
Community Help Line:  765-973-9300
Website:  www.richmondindiana.gov/news/warehouse-fire-information
 

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, 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.  “Downwind” will change from time to time as the wind direction changes.

 

3. Q:  What if I smell smoke or smell a burnt plastic smell where I am 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, remove yourself from the hazard and seek safety.

 

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 any time day or night and are nowhere near capacity.

 

5. Q:  I do not need sheltering, but I am needing food…. where can I get meals or food?
   1. A:  The American Red Cross has partnered with other local organizations and are providing meals and food at the shelter location; Oak Park Pentecostal Church located at 1920 Chester Blvd.

 

6. Q:  If I have a dog or pet, can I bring them to the shelter with me?
   1. A:  Pets are not allowed at the Red Cross shelter located at Oak Park Pentecostal Church (service animals are permitted).  Abington Pines Dog Boarding & Grooming, located at 4842 Pottershop Rd, Centerville will take in dogs only.  Dogs must have current shots and provide their own food.  They can be reached at 765-855-1000.

 

7. 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 evacuation area.  Please call (765) 973-9300 to arrange for pick-up.

 

8. Q:  Is the fire under control?
   1. A:  The fire is nearly controlled and completely extinguished per Richmond Fire Chief Tim Brown.  Because of the nature of the fire and the material it has burned, it is expected to continue smoldering and producing smoke, soot, or burnt plastic smell for several more days.

 

9. Q:  Where and how did the fire start?
   1. A:  The cause of the fire is unknown and likely will not be known until after the fire has been extinguished.  The State Fire Marshal’s Office is on scene to assist with the investigation.  Per the State Fire Marshal’s Office, it will be “days” before the property is safe for their investigators to enter.

 

10. Q:  What should I do if I find debris in my yard or on my property?
    1. A:  It is recommended to leave any debris alone and do not disturb or touch the debris.  Preliminary results of debris tested by the EPA did show that they tested positive for asbestos materials.  Do not mow over debris to further disseminate or aerosolize the material.  Once more conclusive testing is done, additional information will be shared of how to dispose of the debris properly.

 

11. Q:  What are the health effects of this fire and the smoke?
    1. A:  Everyone should avoid directly breathing in the smoke. Persons with heart or lung disease and older adults are more sensitive to smoke exposure. Symptoms that may be related to breathing smoke include repeated coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea, or lightheadedness. If you experience these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider.

 

12.   Q:  Should we be wearing cloth, surgical, or N95 masks in the area?
    1. A:  Cloth and surgical masks do filter out the larger particulate matter, however finer particles would require an N95-type mask.  Per the Wayne County Health Department, it is just much safer to remain out of the area and if you find yourself in the plume of smoke, remove yourself from the hazardous condition and seek safety.  If you are needing or would like masks, please contact, or visit the Wayne County Health Department; 100 S 5^th Street, Richmond or 765-973-9245.

 

13.   Q:  What has been found in the air monitoring so far?
    1. A:  The US EPA and their contractors are responsible for the air monitoring in the area.  Their samples are picking up particulate matter (smoke), as expected during a fire.  The agency is also monitoring the air for products of combustion expected from a plastics fire including particulates, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, benzene, chlorine, hydrogen cyanide, mineral acids (H2SO4 and HCl).  The “grab sample” that came from the actual fire scene and source of the fire did test positive for volatile organic compounds and other toxic compounds.  This test was again from the source of the fire and is not a representation of what the public would potentially be breathing.  Air monitoring samples from the community and surrounding areas should return tomorrow and once put in context, will be released to the public.  Testing is continuous and on-going around the clock.

 

14.   Q:  Is the water supply safe?  Has the run-off from the fire polluted the drinking water or rivers?
    1. A:  The Richmond Sanitation Department has reported extensive and comprehensive testing of downstream of the fire site and will continue to do so until IDEM and the EPA feel the threat has passed.  This is being monitored as the water runoff from the site is entering thru the storm drains.  At this point, they have found anything of immediate alarm, including any sign of fish kills.  Some ash and loose plastic debris were located, but weir booms have been installed and are successfully capturing this material.  Likewise, Indiana American Water has also been closely monitoring the drinking water and also has reported no unusual readings or results from testing.

 

15.   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.

 

16.   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.  As air monitoring results come back from lab testing, we are hoping to be able to allow residents to return to their homes.  However, the primary focus is on the health and well-being of those residents, and we want to ensure it is safe before they reenter the area.  We anticipate those air monitoring samples to return during the day on Friday, April 14, 2023.

 

17.   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. For EMA- www.facebook.com/IN89EMA

For City of Richmond- www.facebook.com/StellarRichmond  The City of Richmond has an information page on their website: www.richmondindiana.gov/news/warehouse-fire-information  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
 

18.   Q:  What if I have additional questions or concerns?  Who can I call?
    1. A:  The Wayne County Health Department has set up a community “help line” for anyone that has additional questions or to triage concerns from the public.  This number for the public is 765-973-9300 and will be staffed and answered 24hrs a day.

 

19.   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.

 

20.   Q:  How can I help?  Do First Responders need any supplies?  Do those at the shelter need supplies?
    1. A:  At this time, donated supplies are not needed by responders or the shelter site.  There has been an outpouring of support and donated items already which is very appreciated and minimal residents are actually staying at the Red Cross shelter.

 

21.   Q:  Will schools, businesses, or doctor’s offices close?
    1. A:  School officials continue to be apprised of the situation from the scene and are provided with what information is known and schools/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.

 

22.   Q:  Are there additional resources available for information to the public or media?
    1. A:  City of Richmond Website

www.richmondindiana.gov/news/warehouse-fire-information
 

2. U.S. EPA Public Information Officer

Rachel Linduska
312.886.6238
[email protected]
https://response.epa.gov/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=16003
 

3. Indiana Department of Homeland Security

Indiana Fire Marshal’s Office
[email protected]
463.202.4063
 

Instructions:

For information or health concerns:

Community Help Line:  765-973-9300
Website:  www.richmondindiana.gov/news/warehouse-fire-information