Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, April 13, 2018
(MITCHELL) - A large fire at a Fibertech, in Mitchell, has prompted the precautionary evacuation of several nearby homes and closing of area schools, and law enforcement continues to urge residents to avoid the area due to heavy smoke.
The fire at Fibertech began at about 11 a.m. on Thursday. A 7-acre mulch pile continues to burn, resulting in heavy smoke throughout the town of Mitchell.
Visibility is limited in the area, and firefighters continue to battle the blaze and windy conditions in the area. Fibertech is a wood processing plant that supplies wood pallets and bulk mulch.
The Indiana National Guard was deployed this morning to assist in extinguishing the fire using aerial water drops. Mutual aid fire departments from surrounding counties have also been assisting.
At this time, eight firefighters have been transported to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation since the fire began, but are expected to fully recover.
North Lawrence Community Schools and Mitchell Community Schools cancelled classes today and approximately 12 to 15 families have evacuated their homes.
All evacuations at this point are voluntary as a precaution. Residents in the surrounding area are asked to stay inside to avoid the smoke from the fire.
In addition, Poison Control encourages any resident who was exposed or in the path of the plume and experiencing symptoms to contact their family physician as a precaution.
This photo is from Indiana Department of Homeland Security. The wind has shifted a bit since the photo was taken if you are in this area you should "shelter" in place and avoid being outside.
Local emergency management and first responders, with assistance from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Indiana State Fire Marshal, will continue to monitor the situation and provide any assistance needed.
The next update will be distributed at 2 p.m. Updates also will be posted to IDHS social sites including Twitter and Facebook.
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