Indiana - A recycling plant in Richmond, Indiana caught fire on Tuesday afternoon, emitting toxic smoke that led to evacuation orders for approximately 2,000 people.

Plastics were among the items burning at the plant, and the smoke was "definitely toxic," according to Indiana State Fire Marshal Steve Jones. Air monitoring results are expected early Wednesday, with preliminary results expected by daybreak.

An evacuation order was put in place for residents within a half-mile of the fire, and those downwind of the evacuation zone were encouraged to shelter in place. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

The fire burned throughout Tuesday evening and is expected to continue for days. Residents who find remnants from the fire in their yards were asked not to touch the debris as it is unknown what chemicals may be present.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management were on site evaluating any potential hazards resulting from the fire.

Firefighters had difficulty accessing the facility, with piles of plastic blocking access roads. The fire spread to several buildings at the site, but crews managed to stop the fire's spread before it could jump into residential areas.

One firefighter was injured after falling and hurting his ankle and has since been treated and released from a hospital. No other injuries were reported, and everyone who was said to be working at the building when crews responded to the scene has been accounted for.

The towering smoke plume and health concerns recall the inferno and draining of hazardous materials sparked by a freight train derailment and fire this year in East Palestine, Ohio.