Toxic Fire Engulfs Recycling Plant, Prompting Evacuation and Raising Health Concerns

A fire broke out at a plastics recycling facility in Richmond, Indiana, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents and raising concerns about the health impacts of toxic smoke and pollution.
The fire is expected to continue burning for several days and is releasing particulate matter and volatile organics into the surrounding area.
Environmental regulators are monitoring the air and collecting debris samples to determine if asbestos or other hazardous materials have spread from the site.
The facility's owner had been cited multiple times for safety violations but failed to address issues that led to what officials describe as an entirely preventable disaster.
Over 2,000 residents remain displaced, and the long term impacts on public health and the environment are still unknown.