Newburgh Chemical Fire Leaves Hazardous Ash Concerns Across Warrick County
NEWBURGH, IN — Local and federal officials are urging caution after a massive fire at the PBTT Corp. facility in Newburgh left behind white-gray ash that preliminary tests suggest could be “very caustic.” The fire, which began Saturday afternoon and burned into the early hours of Sunday, triggered multiple shelter-in-place orders and continues to spark community concern over air and soil quality.
Hazardous Ash Raises Safety Concerns
According to the Warrick County Health Department, the ash samples collected showed pH levels as high as 14, meaning exposure could result in chemical burns to skin or lungs. Health officials emphasized that they “don’t know exactly what’s in the ash,” urging residents to avoid contact and to seek medical care if exposed.
Emergency teams confirmed that combustible metals such as magnesium, aluminum, and zinc fueled the fire. While monitoring so far has not detected airborne contamination beyond normal background levels, residents remain uneasy about the potential long-term effects of widespread ash deposits in neighborhoods.
Local Response and Disaster Declaration
Ohio Township Fire Chief Scott Forman acknowledged ongoing uncertainty about the fire’s impact. He revealed that a fish kill at Vann Park Pond could occur due to contaminated water runoff. County leaders are now weighing whether to declare both a local disaster and a public health emergency in response.
The Warrick County Emergency Management Agency admitted a technical error delayed some residents from receiving timely shelter-in-place alerts. Officials pledged to adopt a “layered approach” to future warnings, distributing notices not only through IPAWS but also via social media and other channels.
Community Tension and Transparency Issues
Residents like Ethan Scott of Lincoln Avenue questioned official statements, pointing out contradictions between claims of no hazardous materials leaving PBTT property and reports of high-pH ash spread across yards and streets. “Made no sense to me when they said that,” Scott remarked, reflecting growing community distrust.
The EPA has since launched a website for coordinating ash collection and testing. Meanwhile, local agencies continue sampling soil and water around the facility and nearby neighborhoods to assess contamination levels.
Company’s Silence and Regulatory History
The PBTT Corp. facility on Vann Road, which specializes in machining and plating for industries including aerospace and defense, did not send representatives to Sunday’s press conference. Officials confirmed the company is cooperating with investigators but has not issued public comments.
This is not the facility’s first incident. In December, a smaller fire involving combustible metals was reported there. Additionally, in 2024, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management flagged PBTT for operating emissions equipment without proper registration. Although no penalties were issued at that time, the agency warned that future violations could bring sanctions.
Residents remain on edge as cleanup efforts continue. Local leaders are working with IDEM, EPA, and federal partners to design safe disposal plans for ash and contaminated debris. Health officials continue urging caution until full results are known.
Communities across Indiana will be closely watching how Warrick County navigates this incident, balancing the urgent need for transparency with long-term safety.
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