Over 2,000 people were ordered to evacuate in eastern Indiana after a large fire broke out at a nearby recycling plant, which spewed harsh, black smoke into the air.

Residents of the town of Richmond, Indiana were told to leave the area after the fire began. Among the items burned were large amounts of plastic, creating toxic smoke flying over the area.

Other residents outside the evacuation zone were instructed to shelter indoor, turn of HVAC systems and close all doors and windows, plus keep all pets inside.

According to Fire Chief Tim Brown, the recycling plant has been issued citations before on the basis of “unsafe building and unsafe grounds.”

Read the full article here.