‘It makes me feel like my city’s failed me;’ Richmond businesses impacted by massive fire

News Center 7′s Brandon Lewis spoke with a business in the evacuation zone.

Some businesses in Richmond have kept their doors closed for several days because of the toxic fire at a plastics facility. People’s livelihoods are being impacted.

The fire site is full of mangled debris as firefighters continue to watch the scene for hot spots.

>>Richmond Toxic Fire: Two new toxins discovered at the fire site

Lewis says across the street from the site is a Dollar General.

It has signs on its doors saying the location is temporarily closed and will reopen soon.

Lewis also spoke on Friday over the phone with one of the employees of a nearby business. They did not want want their name or the business they work to be identified.

He asked the worker about the lost revenue.

“We’ve lost about $7,000,” said the worker. “My owner is losing money. The staff is losing money. My phone has been ringing off the hook since this fire. I’ve actually have a lot of people today text me and asked me, ‘when are you guys going to be open? We missed you.’”

>>I-TEAM: Following the money trail, the legal battle with plastics facility property owner

News Center 7′s I-Team reported Friday Wayne County property records show the city bought two-thirds of the properties that burned in 2021. Richmond Mayor Dave Snow said this week it was done so they can mitigate issues with the property.

Citizens feel let down after the massive fire.

“It makes me feel like my city’s failed me,” the worker said. “It feels like not only has it failed our business, but it’s failed the residents around us.”

Lewis says the business is considering reopening next week but still has concerns about the air quality in Richmond.