A huge plume of smoke rose into the air Wednesday from a Walmart FulfillmentCenter west Indianapolis. It could be seen from miles away.
Environment and public officials in the affected area have to answer a few questions. Are there any toxins, or other harmful substances found in the smoke and debris of the fire? Are there any lingering dangers to residents who live or work in the smoke plume’s path?
It’s still unclear what the smoke, fire and debris might have meant for the environment and public safety 24 hours later. Federal and state officials are trying to find the answers.
The fire broke out at the Plainfield warehouse, 15 miles west from downtown Indianapolis, around noon Wednesday.
Plainfield, Texas: Walmart Distribution Center FireWhat we know about the massive Indiana blaze
The state maintains air monitors in the downtown, and the results of those monitors have remained mostly normal over the past day, according Nikos Zirogiannis of Indiana University’s ONeill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
According to Indianapolis, the fire was top of mind. They were also following information from Indiana Department of Environmental Management regarding air quality. According to Thursday morning’s data, the levels of particulate and ozone are moderate.
Thursday afternoon saw the declaration of a Knozone Action Day. These are issued when ozone or particles in the air rises above specific levels. They can be dangerous for sensitive persons.
“IDEM notes the presence of smoke in the area of Marion and Hamilton counties, and that high levels of particulate matter values have been monitored on the West side of Indianapolis,” a city press release states.
Thursday afternoon, the IDEM released its own statement declaring an Air Quality Action Day. The department confirmed elevated levels PM2.5, which is microscopic dust and liquid that settle deep in the lungs and can’t be exhaled easily.
“Weather conditions are expected to continue spreading the smoke to the northeast,” the IDEM release states. “Conditions should improve overnight, Friday.”
The action day is for Boone and Hamilton counties, Hendricks, Marion counties, and Hendricks counties.
A Network of resident-owned sensorsSome potential impacts were also shown. These sensors, called PurpleAir, are owned by ordinary Hoosiers who have them installed at their homes.
A handful of sensors located in the northwest area of Marion County recorded increases in particulate material that began yesterday afternoon, and continued into the night. They have since tapered off however.
Zirogiannis stated that the PurpleAir network is useful to provide a sense for air quality in local areas. However, he stressed that the sensors are not as accurate and lack oversight. He also said that individual actions can have an impact on the sensors, such as if a homeowner starts to grill near one.
It is especially important to know what is igniting in a fire such as this.
Zirogiannis stated that household cleaners or chemicals could have been releasing toxic gases and fumes. These toxins are not detected by IDEMs or PurpleAirs monitors.
IDEM claimed that it has emergency response staff on the ground. According to local officials, it is coordinating with U.S. Environmental Protection agency for testing air quality.
Stephanie Singh, spokeswoman for the Town of Plainfield, stated that IDEM crews are currently on the ground working and that town officials are waiting to hear the results.
The state agency did no respond to questions about the tests it is running or if it has found toxic substances. According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, IDEM will issue an update on Thursday afternoon.
Homeland Security is asking residents to keep any ash or debris off their lawns. Hoosiers were also reminded by local fire departments, including Bargersville Fire.
Bargersville Deputy Chief Mike Pruitt TweetedThese materials can be extremely toxic and could contain carcinogens or cancer-causing chemicals. He stated that Walmart stocks everything, including household chemicals and plastics. These items are also mixing and burning together.
Pruitt shared this with IndyStar: “This unknown risk is why firefighters take precautions in order to protect their respiratory system, and limit contact of these materials.”
Boone County, north from the fire, was impacted by debris and ashes. IndyStar inquires were not immediately answered by officials at the county’s health department. Send a message to its Facebook pageAccording to Walmart Distribution Center fire officials, it’s all hands on deck. Officials recommend that you avoid touching any debris, fearing that it may contain toxic substances.
IndyStar inquires were not immediately answered by the Hendricks County Health Department. Hendricks County Health Department responded and provided support. Its Hazmat team is monitoring Marion County for any possible effects.
It is not clear at this point how debris and possible air quality impacts will addressed or who will be responsible.
This story will be revised.
Sarah Bowman, IndyStar reporter, can be reached at 317-444-6129. [email protected]. Follow her on TwitterAnd Facebook: @IndyStarSarah. Connect with IndyStars’ environmental reporters:Join Facebook’s Scrub.
IndyStar is made possible by the generous support of Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.