Breaking News: Ongoing Chemical Fire in Akron Raises Safety Concerns

On Thursday, a significant chemical fire erupted at SMB Products in East Akron, and as of Friday afternoon, 12 firefighters are still battling the flames. The situation remains critical, and the community is on high alert.

The Chemical Hazard: What We Know

During a press conference at noon, Akron Fire Chief Leon Henderson revealed that various hazardous materials, including methanol, xylene, propane, ether, and ethanol, were present in the building located at 1081 Rosemary Blvd. While the exact cause of the fire has not been confirmed, the presence of these chemicals raises serious safety concerns.

• Firefighting Efforts: Due to structural instability, firefighters are using construction equipment to dismantle walls, allowing them to access and extinguish hidden flames effectively.
• Estimated Time to Extinguish: Chief Henderson estimates that it may take between 8 to 12 hours to completely put out the fire.
• Evacuations and Explosions: Following a small explosion on Thursday afternoon, evacuations began, with residents transported via Akron Metro RTA buses.
• Air Quality Concerns: The Summit County HAZMAT team and the Ohio EPA are monitoring air quality in the vicinity, with preliminary reports indicating no volatile organic compounds detected at concerning levels.

Community Impact and Safety Measures

As the situation unfolds, Akron's police chief confirmed that all roads except a one-block stretch of Rosemary Boulevard remain open. However, residents have been advised to take precautions due to smoke in the area.

Chief Henderson emphasized the importance of limiting exposure to smoke, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions:

“Anytime there is smoke in the air, it impacts air quality. It is definitely still smoky today, and I’d encourage folks to limit your exposure to the smoke as much as possible.”

The Aftermath: Evacuations and Recovery

By Thursday evening, over 100 individuals had been evacuated to community centers, with the EPA later deeming it safe for residents to return home. Praise was given to community center staff for their swift actions during the evacuation process, highlighting the effective collaboration among city departments.

What’s Next? Ongoing Investigation

As investigations continue, questions remain regarding past fire code compliance at SMB Products. Chief Henderson indicated that further research is underway to determine if any violations existed prior to the incident.

What do you think?

• Should businesses that handle hazardous materials face stricter regulations?
• How can communities better prepare for chemical-related emergencies?
• Do you think the current response measures were adequate?
• What are your thoughts on air quality monitoring during such incidents?

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to follow this developing story. Your safety is our priority, and we encourage community members to stay informed and engaged.