Full Notification

358 NW F Street Fire
FAQ/ Fact Sheet
As of 4/15/2023 at 2130 (9:30pm)
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).  Please do not attempt to walk into the area of the fire scene.

 

2. Q:  I do not see any smoke or fire…. Why can’t I return to my home?
   1. A:  Unfortunately, smoke and fire are only a few of the hazards that could be encountered at or near the scene of the fire.  There is on-going monitoring of the air quality in and around the site and throughout the city and we will be meeting again on Sunday afternoon, April 16, 2023 with responding and local organizations to determine if/when the evacuation orders will change.

 

3. 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 if they feel they are in danger or find themselves in a smoke plume.  Keep in mind that “downwind” will change from time to time as the wind direction changes.

 

4. 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.

 

5. Q:  What if I am displaced.  Where can I stay?
   1. A:  Oak Park Pentecostal Church located at 1920 Chester Blvd, Richmond.  Please contact the number located on the church if shelter is needed.  They are prepared to shelter residents any time day or night.

 

2. Some of the area lodging facilities are extending a discounted, “HELP RICHMOND” rate to assist those in the outlined evacuation area (Advanced Reservations are Required).  Residents with a valid driver’s license or state issued ID residing in the evacuation order, may check availability at the listed supporting lodging facilities.  To check availability and make a reservation, request the hotel’s “HELP RICHMOND” discount.  These listed properties will honor the “HELP RICHMOND” rate through April 27^th, 2023, or until the limited amount of “HELP RICHMOND” rooms have been reserved.  If you would like assistance making reservations, contact the Wayne County Convention & Tourism Bureau. 765-935-8687. 

 
Red Roof Inn; 765-962-7576
Baymont by Wyndham; 765-935-4766
Cozy Garden Inn; 765-966-6682
Best Western; 765-939-9500
Super 8; 765-855-5461
New Budget Inn; 937-817-0457
 

6. 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.

 
On Wednesday, April 19, 2023, Gleaners Food Bank will be conducting a Mobile Food Pantry at the Wayne County Fairgrounds; 861 N Salisbury Rd, Richmond from 4pm to 6pm.  This is a drive-thru event and anyone in need may stop by to receive FREE food and grocery items. 
 

7. 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.

 

8. Q:  How do I get to the shelter if I do not 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.

 

9. Q:  Is the fire under control?
   1. A:  The fire is considered contained and 99% extinguished.  There continues to be “hot spots” and occasional small fires which will continue to smolder for several more days and produce smoke, soot, or burnt plastic smell.

 

10. Q:  Where and how did the fire start?
    1. A:  The cause of the fire is unknown and likely will not be known for weeks/months.  The State Fire Marshal’s Office is on scene assisting with the investigation.

 

11. 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 some of the samples tested positive for asbestos containing materials.  The EPA is bringing in federal contractors to assist with the proper cleanup and removal of visible debris in both Indiana and Ohio.  If you have debris in or around your property in Indiana, please call the Community Help Line (765-973-9300) to request to be placed on the list or visit http://richmondindiana.gov/news/debris-form

 
If you are in Ohio, you can visit https://forms.office.com/g/6tYS2nzrzb 
 
Please keep in mind that priority is being given to schools in both states. 
Please DO NOT pick up the debris and deliver it to the Richmond Fire Stations.
 

12. Q:  With the rain coming in, won’t that help and dissolve the asbestos that might be contained in the debris?
    1. A:  Asbestos is a mineral that is found in fiber.  It does not melt, dissolve, or just “go away.”  If debris does have asbestos containing material, it will not necessarily be affected by the rain.

 

13. Q:  Does all debris contain asbestos?
    1. A:  No.  Debris contains many different types of materials, some of which may include asbestos.  Because all debris has the potential to contain asbestos, it is important that a trained professional remove all materials suspected to be from the fire.

 

14. 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.

 

15.   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.

 

16.   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 and around the Richmond area and are also working closely with their Ohio counterparts, monitoring air quality in Preble & Darke Counties.  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.  The EPA is utilizing their website for the results of air testing and will be shared as it becomes available https://response.epa.gov/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=16003  Testing is continuous and on-going around the clock, throughout various parts of the city.

 

17.   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 not 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 has reported no unusual readings or results from testing.

 

18.   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.

 

19.   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 when evacuation orders will be lifted.  As air monitoring results come back from lab testing and they can be analyzed by our health experts, we are hoping to be able to allow residents to return to their homes.  That analysis is on-going and continuous with the EPA in contact with local officials on a very regular basis.

 

20.   Q:  How will 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
 

21.   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, even throughout the weekend.  This line is very busy at times so if no one immediately answers, please leave a voicemail.  Your phone call will be returned.

 

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

 

23.   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 much appreciated.  If you would like to make a monetary donation or donations of other kinds, please direct those to the Wayne Township Trustee’s Office and reference the “Fire Disaster Relief” fund; 401 E Main Street, Richmond IN or you can call 765-973-9392 to inquire additional details directly from their office.

 

24.   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.

 

25.   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