City updates cleanup effort one year after Richmond fire
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Thursday marks one year since a massive fire broke out at the former My Way Trading Warehouse in Richmond, sending plumes of black smoke and debris into the air. Mayor Ron Oler says the city is looking into potential redevelopment efforts at the site.
The blaze began April 11, 2023 when a tractor-trailer parked on-site caught fire and spread quickly to the warehouse building that was being used to store plastics and other materials for recycling or resale.
The building at 308 NW F Street, owned by Cornerstone Trading Group LLC, burned for several days and sent debris several miles away, including into parts of Ohio. An evacuation order was given, forcing residents to relocate while crews got the fire under control.
Then-Mayor Dave Snow blamed the fire on what he called a “negligent business owner,” who had ignored previous orders to clean up the property, as well as a citation by the city’s Unsafe Building Commission.
Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency completed the removal of approximately 6,000 tons of fire debris and asbestos-containing materials from the nearby properties at 310 and 358 NW F Street. The waste was shipped off to an EPA-approved landfill outside of the city.
The EPA also rinsed, washed and transferred about 850 tons of scrap metal to a local recycling facility, the city said.
“First, and foremost, I would like to recognize the great work and thank our Richmond Fire Department and all of the emergency response teams, including support from Wayne County, the State of Indiana, our neighboring partners in Ohio, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” Mayor Oler said in written remarks. “One year ago, their fast, hard and expert work prevented this fire from becoming a more significant disaster. I would also like to thank the EPA for their quick and diligent work in removing the solid waste and debris from the site. I’m grateful and relieved that the first part of the process is now complete and look forward to beginning the redevelopment phase to find a new use for this site.”
The city said it is evaluating potential redevelopment opportunities for the 310 and 358 properties, which it acquired in a sheriff’s sale before the fire due to the owner’s failure to pay property taxes. The city plans to engage with economic development partners on next steps.
Additionally, the city has sent legal demands to attorneys for Cornerstone to remove debris and other solid waste that remains on the 308 NW F Street site, though it is unclear if the city has received a response.