Richmond Toxic Fire: EPA to study debris from massive fire for asbestos

RICHMOND — The work continues to determine the environmental impacts of a massive industrial fire in Richmond.

In an update Wednesday night, the Environmental Protection Agency said as the fire continues to burn, the half-mile evacuation order remains in effect.

The EPA said they are continuing to conduct 24-hour air monitoring and sampling in the community. Particulate air monitoring will also take place in Ohio.

The agency will also be collecting debris samples from the fire and searching school grounds for any debris.

The debris will be sampled for asbestos, as the EPA believes asbestos-containing material may have been present in the building due to its age.

Residents are asked to not touch debris or mow over it until sample results are available.

Initial sample results are expected to be available Thursday morning, the EPA said.

Day 2: Richmond fire continues Photo by WHIO Staff Xavier Hershovitz

Richmond fire (Staff)

Day 2: Richmond fire continues Photo by WHIO Staff Xavier Hershovitz

Richmond plastic recyling facility fire (Staff)

Richmond plastic Recyling facility fire (Contributed by Bridget Hazelbaker)

Smoke from Richmond fire (iWitness7)

Drone footage of fire (Contributed by Troy Bane)

Smoke from Richmond fire

Richmond fire (Staff)