Akron chemical fire fully extinguished, city says, questions remain

**Related Video Above: Report regarding the chemical fire from Friday.

AKRON , Ohio (WJW) — The fire that began Thursday is officially out at Akron’s SMB Products Saturday afternoon, the city announced.

The chemical fire forced evacuations in the surrounding neighborhood as explosions were heard inside the building. One firefighter was injured in the blaze, but the city said Saturday the had been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

The city also said the smoke from the Rosemary Boulevard site has “largely dissipated” and that air testing done by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to come back within normal ranges.

As fire suppression materials did contaminate a nearby creek with “alcohol-based materials,” according to the EPA, contractors are working to remove the tainted water. The creek reportedly runs into Long Lake, although that is not a source of drinking water. A “storm water bypass system” has also been set up near the creek.

The EPA is also carefully monitoring the Tuscarawas River. Air and water testing is expected to continue as an investigation into the incident moves along.

“Now that the fire has been extinguished, the Akron Fire Department can begin their investigation into the fire and the EPA can conduct the necessary analysis on the site,” Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said in a statement. “All tests are coming back in safe ranges for air and water quality and will continue to be monitored. We remain committed to providing updates as more information becomes available.”

SMB Products packages aerosols and liquids. There were about 45 employees working Thursday and all made it out of the building safely. Residents were allowed back to their homes around 8:30 p.m. Thursday following evacuations.

Residents who have concerns and questions regarding the air quality in the area can call 330-375-2480.

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