On this page:
EPA has completed its cleanup activities, and the cooperating agencies
have agreed that a unified command is no longer necessary. The Indiana
Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) will continue to oversee the
cleanup on the PBTT property and EPA will provide support as requested. If
residents see remaining ash, please contact the Warrick County Health
Department.
September 14-15, 2025
- EPA has completed its cleanup activities and the cooperating agencies have agreed that a unified command is no longer necessary. IDEM will continue to oversee the cleanup on the PBTT property and EPA will provide support as requested. If residents see remaining ash, please contact the Warrick County Health Department.
- During the response, EPA received 109 requests to assess fire ash debris at properties: 80 were inspected for ash debris with 10 properties requiring cleanup. In addition, 29 property owners reported ash and either declined to be assessed or did not provide enough information. Below is a map of EPA’s ash debris inspection locations. Details will also be included in a final summary report.
- EPA deferred cleanup of four commercial properties within the “grass mowing advisory area” to PBTT for cleanup. IDEM will also oversee this cleanup.
- EPA assessed and cleaned Vann Park. Following an inspection with Warrick County officials, the Warrick County Commissioners will reopen the park Tuesday, September 16. Individuals living in the area designated for shelter-in-place and those with ash debris are eligible to receive cleaning supplies available starting Tuesday morning at the Courthouse, 107 W Locust, Boonville.
Newly Added Frequently Asked Questions
Is the fire ash harmful to the environment?
The ash from the fire is not expected to be very harmful to the environment. It can increase particulate matter in the air in small, specific areas if it is kicked up during activities like mowing. It's recommended to avoid inhaling the ash. Check the Agencies Mowing Advisory Area on the EPA webpage. Based on data collected so far, the ash itself is alkaline (pH around 10.5) and mostly made up of the metals magnesium, iron and calcium. Early data indicates that the ash isn't as harsh or alkaline as the first tests suggested. These metals can be found in soil and are naturally occurring. When cleaning (or other activities that stir up ash) the alkalinity may be irritating for those with sensitive skin, so it is recommended to wear long sleeves/pants. EPA examined ash on properties and sent samples to a laboratory to identify specific dangers posed by the ash. Responding agencies will share more information as it becomes available.
I see ash in my yard. Can I mow the grass?
Properties closest to the PBTT fire received more ash buildup than other areas. Reducing ash in grass before mowing is best for properties nearest the fire. The advisory area is within the Vann Road Industrial Center, also referred to as Warrick Research and Industrial Center #1. See the map below.
Property owners in this advisory area can contact EPA at R5_PIO@epa.gov before mowing. EPA or IDEM will assess ash for potential removal before mowing.
If your property is not within the advisory area, yards can be mowed as normal. People sensitive to dust may consider wearing a mask and people with sensitive skin are recommended to wear long pants and sleeves. Dust generated by mowing can be reduced by mowing after rain or watering the lawn. If you have any questions, you can contact Warrick County Health Department at 812-897-6105.
What is pH?
Acidic and alkaline (or "basic") are two opposites that describe substances, usually liquids or chemicals, just like hot and cold are two opposites that describe temperature. A substance that is neither acidic nor alkaline is neutral.
The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral. A pH less than 7 is acidic, and a pH greater than 7 is basic. Tap water is usually between pH 6.5-8.5, close to neutral. When substances dissolve in water, the pH of the mixture can change and become either more acidic or alkaline. Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic substances, while laundry detergents and ammonia are alkaline. Substances at the very bottom (≤ 2) and very top of the scale (≥ 12.5) can be harmful and they are considered corrosive.
What do the numbers mean?
Each whole pH value is ten times stronger than the next outer value. For example, a pH of 4 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 5. A pH of 9 is ten times more alkaline (or "basic") than a pH of 8. Technically, pH is an expression of hydrogen ion concentration in water. Specifically, pH is the negative logarithm of hydrogen ion (H+) concentration (mol/L) in an aqueous solution: pH = -log10(H+)
September 13, 2025
Joint Information Center Updates
- EPA has taken action at all properties where owners granted access. EPA has inspected and cleaned as needed over 80 residential properties and public areas, and there are no more property inspections pending.
- EPA has deferred cleanup of four commercial properties within the “grass mowing advisory area” to PBTT for cleanup.(See map below.)IDEM is overseeing cleanup performed by PBTT at the company’s facility and within the grass mowing advisory area.
- EPA finished assessing, vacuuming and wiping areas in Vann Park. Areas assessed and cleaned at the park included four baseball fields, two T-ball fields, a walking path, playground areas, picnic tables, and metals fences, as needed. EPA conducted post-cleanup inspection of Vann Park with Warrick County officials.
- See the Warrick County Health Department website for the latest details on Vann Park closure status.
- The Warrick County Commissioners announced that individuals living in the area that was designated for shelter-in-place and who encountered ash debris are eligible for assistance obtaining cleaning supplies. To obtain information on how to obtain cleaning supplies please can contact the Warrick Health Department at or the commissioner’s office at 812-897-6120. Cleaning supplies will be available starting on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
September 12, 2025
Joint Information Center Updates
- EPA teams assessed and cleaned, if necessary, an additional 38 residential properties and public spaces, bringing total number of properties to 82.
- EPA has completed over 60% of assessment and cleanup activities at Vann Park. Cleanup at the park includes wiping hard surfaces and vacuuming fire ash debris. The park remains closed per the Warrick County Health Department until further notice. Members of the public are asked not to enter Vann Park and are strictly prohibited from fishing in the pond. This includes baseball and softball fields, walking trails and Rivertown Pickleball Court.
- The Warrick County Commissioners announced that while EPA and IDEM are cleaning in and around Vann Park, it is preferred that people use alternative routes along Vann Road through Saturday. If people must travel Vann Road, they should use extreme caution. For more information visit warrickcounty.gov or contact the commissioners’ office at 812-897-6120
September 11, 2025
Joint Information Center Updates
- EPA teams assessed, and cleaned, if necessary, an additional 22 residential properties and public spaces. This brings the total number of properties to 44.
- EPA continues assessment and cleanup of Vann Park. Teams are wiping hard surfaces and vacuuming fire ash debris. While this work continues, Warrick County Health Department announced that Vann Park will remain closed until further notice. Members of the public are asked not to enter Vann Park and are strictly prohibited from fishing in the pond. This includes baseball and softball fields, walking trails and Rivertown Pickleball Court.
- IDEM continues coordinating with the PBTT facility owner and the environmental contractor hired by the facility. IDEM will work with the contractor to begin property assessment, identify any potential environmental impacts, and determine appropriate remediation measures.
- Warrick County EMA is actively working with local, state, and federal partners to provide enhanced resources and logistical support for the incident command.
September 10, 2025
Joint Information Center Updates
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Today, six EPA teams assessed and cleaned 24 residential properties and public spaces.
- No visible ash or debris was found at AMAX Park. The Warrick County Health Department in partnership with the Warrick County Commissioners announced the park was reopened.
- EPA began assessment and cleanup of Vann Park. Warrick County Commissioners announced that, as a precaution, Vann Park—including the pond and certain surrounding areas—will remain closed to the public until further notice, while the Warrick County Health Department and the Emergency Management Agency continue working with various agencies to gather information and determine when it is safe to reopen. Members of the public are asked not to enter Vann Park and are strictly prohibited from fishing in the pond.
- IDEM is coordinating with the PBTT facility owner. The facility owner has hired an environmental contractor and is cooperating with response efforts. IDEM will work with the contractor to begin property assessment, identify any potential environmental impacts, and determine appropriate remediation measures.
- IDEM is in contact with Public Water System operators in the area. No drinking water supplies have been affected by the fire.
- Warrick County EMA is actively working with local, state, and federal partners to provide enhanced resources and logistical support for the incident command.
September 9, 2025
Joint Information Center Updates
Following the Sept. 6 fire at the PBTT Inc. manufacturing
facility, city, state and federal officials have formed a unified command to
assess and clean up the fire site and surrounding community. Below is an
updated list of response activities.
- The
fire is out. Post fire, EPA air
monitoring has shown no levels of concern.
- There have been no impacts to public drinking water. For those with private drinking water sources, please contact the Warrick County Health Department: 812-897-6105
- On Sept. 8, EPA began assessing properties for ash with high pH. The agency started with schools or other areas where children may be present.
- A playground was wiped and cleaned at the Tri-Cap Head Start preschool.
- EPA has assessed seven Warrick County School District properties for ash. EPA did not observe any ash at any of the seven schools. EPA has notified Warrick County Health Department. Warrick County School District officials have been in contact with Warrick County Public Health Department for guidance.
- One residential property and one local church were scheduled for assessment. Homeowners are asked to sign access agreements to allow EPA onto their yards.
- When reporting ash debris, EPA would like to remind the public to include their name, best way to contact them, address and ash debris issue. Please be advised that the follow up call will likely come from a different area code.
- Warrick County EMA is actively working with local, state, and federal partners to provide enhanced resources and logistical support for the incident command.
- Warrick County has been placed under a local emergency disaster declaration, which will remain in effect until further notice. EMA is maintaining support from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security as the agency assesses and responds to ongoing resource and logistical needs.
September 8, 2025
Coordinating Agencies Provided Updates
Following the Sept. 6 fire at the PBTT Inc. manufacturing facility in Newburgh, local, state and federal officials are working closely together on post-fire assessment and cleanup plans. Below is more information from each of the coordinating agencies. Residents can report ash debris clicking the link in the yellow box above.
For residents with health concerns, please call the Warrick County Health Department: 812-897-6105.
Ohio Township Fire Department
The Ohio Township Fire Department officially terminated operations on Sunday at 6 PM turning the property over to the environmental cleanup company and the property owner. We continue to support all agencies involved with the remediation of this incident. This fire is being investigated by the Indiana State Fire Marshal‘s office.
Ohio Township Trustee
The
Ohio Township Trustees office continues to support our fire department with any
resources needed. This includes making sure all equipment and supplies used in
the suppression of this fire are replaced, cleaned and tested to ensure the
equipment readiness.
Warrick County Health Department
We continue to collaborate with all involved agencies to ensure the safety of the public.
Warrick County Emergency Management Agency
We are actively collaborating with several key organizations, including Indiana Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), the local Health Department, and the Ohio Township Fire Department. Our goal is to thoroughly assess and determine the specific resources that can be allocated to Warrick County in the aftermath of the incident that took place on Saturday. This collaboration is essential for effectively implementing the Local Emergency Disaster Declaration we filed, which enables us to mobilize necessary support services, address public health and safety concerns, and manage environmental impact. Together, we aim to ensure a swift and coordinated response to aid the affected community and facilitate recovery efforts.
Indiana Department of Environmental Management
On Sept. 6, IDEM Emergency Response (ER) was notified of a commercial fire in Newburgh. County authorities requested assistance for monitoring air quality. IDEM responded in conjunction with the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection and requested further assistance from the U.S. EPA. EPA arrived on-site Sunday morning, Sept. 7, to conduct supplemental air monitoring.
As of Sunday morning, the fire was out, and shelter-in-place orders were lifted.
The EPA is leading off-site debris cleanup efforts and is posting relevant updates as available: response.epa.gov/pbttincfireresponse.
IDEM, Drinking Water Branch has been in contact with Public Water System operators in the region. No drinking water supplies have been impacted by the fire.
Questions regarding acute health impacts are best directed to the Warrick County Health Department.
Environmental Protection Agency
For the most up-to-date information on EPA’s involvement at the response, please visit our website: response.epa.gov/pbttincfireresponse.
EPA is working on an ash debris assessment and cleanup plan. Residents can report ash from the fire on their property by sending an email to our public information office. Please include your name, address, best way to contact you and the ash debris seen and we will respond when our cleanup procedures are finalized.
Coordinating Agencies:
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)
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Warrick County Emergency Management Agency
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Warrick County Public Health Department
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Ohio Township Fire Department
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Ohio Township Trustees
Background
On September 6, 2025, a fire broke out at PBTT Inc. manufacturing facility. Ohio Township Fire Department, Warrick County Emergency Management Agency, and other local and mutual aid departments responded to contain the fire. Responders requested assistance from Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) for monitoring air quality. IDEM responded with mutual aid assistance from Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection (KDEP). IDEM requested the assistance from EPA. EPA arrived on-site Sunday morning on Sept. 7, to conduct supplemental air monitoring.
Multiple agencies are coordinating on post-fire assessment and cleanup. Please monitor this website for environmental updates.
