Richmond mayor: ‘The fire has been fully extinguished ahead of schedule’

RICHMOND, IN — Richmond Mayor Dave Snow posted an update Thursday night on social media saying the fire at an industrial recycling center is now out.

>> PHOTOS: Large-scale fire continues to send plumes of black smoke into air in Richmond

“The fire has been fully extinguished ahead of schedule,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “Our Fire Department is to be highly commended for their swift and brave action.”

Snow said the attention is now turned on collecting air and water samples to determine when the evacuation order can be lifted.

“Our goal is to get people back into their homes as soon as possible,” said Snow. “We’ll have more information to share once it becomes available.”

Richmond firefighters first responded to a semi-trailer fire Tuesday afternoon at a plastics recycling facility. The fire quickly grew out of control sending plumes of black, thick smoke into the air and prompting an evacuation order for all within a half mile of the fire.

A shelter in place order was put in place for anyone downwind from the fire or with respiratory issues.

We will continue to provide updates.

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