Fire continues to burn: Officials urge Akron residents to stay away from SMB Products plant

The fire is continuing to burn at an Akron plant.

Around 3 p.m. Thursday, Akron fire crews responded to a reported explosion and fire at SMB Products .

Fears over the spread of toxic smoke and the threat of more explosions prompted the city to evacuate a half-mile area around the plant that burned through the night. The Summit County hazmat team worked over 2,000 hours since Thursday.

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At a press conference Friday afternoon, authorities said although residents at nearby apartments and businesses were allowed to return Thursday night, they are still urging folks to stay away from the plant on Rosemary Boulevard.

"Any time there is smoke in the air, it affects air quality," said Fire Chief Leon Henderson. Henderson also mentioned the possibility of another explosion as crews continue to work to put the fire out.

"It will depend on what's underneath the rubble," Henderson said.

City officials are asking residents in the area to stay indoors and limit time spent outside or wear masks.

Henderson said the Ohio EPA is on site and is monitoring the air quality in and around the plant.

One firefighter who was injured Thursday was taken to an Akron hospital for treatment. Henderson said the firefighter remains hospitalized. He would not disclose the nature of the injury, but noted there were extreme conditions Thursday with smoke, fire and heat.

Authorities say an undisclosed number of others also were treated at Akron hospitals as a result of the smoke.

No employees were injured at the plant that produces health care products and chemical sprays.

Henderson said firefighters are now using earth-moving equipment to carefully move portions of the collapsed plant and reach any hotspots.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said it was truly a partnership as multiple agencies from police to fire to mass transit all converged to assist in the disaster.

"The effort was nothing short of heroic," he said.

Fire crews could remain on the scene for another 12 hours.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Fire continues to burn: Officials urge Akron residents to stay away from SMB Products plant