Local News

RESIDENTS QUESTION CAUSE OF FIRE, COST OF CLEANUP

(Richmond, IN)--Lots of Fairview area residents and others from across the area showed up during a four-hour question and answer session at Fairview Elementary about the recent industrial fire in Richmond on Tuesday.  Representatives of local, state, and federal agencies were all on hand.  Some residents wanted to know what caused the fire.  The answer is that it’s still under investigation.  Others wanted to know how much cleanup will cost and who will pay for it.  Richmond Mayor Dave Snow said that the cost is still being tabulated and reiterated his position that Seth Smith – and not the city – is ultimately responsible.  "We don't own the buildings.  We don't own the materials on the site.  We are not responsible for the materials on the site.  He was made well aware that he was still responsible for his business," Snow explained.  The EPA said Tuesday it has now collected debris from 94 properties.