Akron chemical fire still burning, air quality remains safe: Akron officials

AKRON, Ohio (WJW) — The fire is still burning at Akron’s SMB Products Friday afternoon, nearly 24 hours after it started, city officials said during a noon news conference, and one firefighter remains hospitalized.

Akron’s mayor, fire chief, police chief and other city officials thanked all the agencies involved in responding to the scene Thursday afternoon. The chemical fire forced evacuations in the surrounding neighborhood as explosions were heard inside the building.

Akron Fire Chief Leon Henderson said the fire is still burning at the business located at 1081 Rosemary Ave., and the city brought in construction equipment to tear down walls so firefighters can get to the flames. Henderson said one firefighter was taken to the hospital. Their condition and the reason for their hospitalization is being kept private, city officials said.

Henderson confirmed the chemicals they know are inside the building include methanol, propane, xylene, ethanol and ether, however he could not confirm yet if they were the “ignition source.” Once the fire is out, Henderson said investigators will be able to get a full list of chemicals.

SMB Products provides chemical packaging services for aerosols and liquids. About 45 employees were working at the time of the fire and all made it out of the building safely.

There is still smoke in the air, Henderson said, and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency remains on scene testing the air quality. That testing will continue until the area is clear of smoke.

There are no concerns with the air quality, officials said, however those with underlying conditions like asthma and COPD are encouraged to stay inside or wear a mask if they have to be outside.

Traffic in the neighborhood is open except for a one block radius around Rosemary Avenue where the business sits, Akron’s police chief said. The perimeter will allow the remaining fire crews to work unimpeded.

The city set up reunification centers Thursday where evacuated residents could rest and get food and water. City officials said at least 100 residents were being housed at the Firestone Park Community Center, and more than 75 were at the Joy Park Community Center. Residents were allowed to return to their homes around 8 p.m. Thursday.

In a press release Friday morning, Summit County Public Health detailed its response to the scene.

According to a release from the agency , data collected by its Right to Know program provided first responders with a list of known chemicals at the site.

Additionally, according to the release, details regarding the facility’s state air permits were
provided through the Akron Regional Air Quality Management District.

Summit County Public Health said as Akron Fire and Police Departments were securing the area, HAZMAT began assessing air quality concerns. Their air sampling readings consistently came back as acceptable for the general public, the release said.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency said favorable weather conditions allowed for the smoke to rise high and be diluted. Data from the incident continues to be reviewed, according to Summit County Public Health, and anything that might impact residents will be communicated.

Residents who have any general questions about the air quality and impacts from this event are asked to call 330-375-2480.

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