Residents were able to return to their homes after the massive chemical fire in Akron

AKRON, Ohio — Residents have been told they can return to their homes after a fire involving several hazardous materials at the SMB Products chemical plant prompted an evacuation.

What happened

At approximately 1:00 p.m., the Akron Fire Department responded to a fire on Rosemary Boulevard. Upon arrival, they found black smoke and flames coming from a commercial building; all employees had been evacuated.

The fire involved chemicals including propane, methanol and xylene, according to Akron Fire District Chief Sierjie Lash, who was concerned about the structural integrity of the building.

Akron Fire Chief Leon Henderson told News 5 at the scene that the building could explode.

Due to the chemicals and the extent of the flames, Akron Fire said fire companies used a defensive approach to fight the blaze.

“We tried to isolate and mitigate the fire… nothing happened,” Henderson told host Tessa DiTirro. “We had to evacuate the area; we ran out of chemicals to even put out the fire because we weren’t making any progress.”

Residents in the area were evacuated from their homes and businesses after “a small explosive sound was heard coming from the building,” Akron Fire said.

The fire was under control by 7:30 p.m.; however, crews remain on scene due to the nature of the fire.

Akron Fire reported that one firefighter was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries. No other injuries have been reported.

At 4:45 p.m., Akron officials held a press conference regarding the fire. You can watch the full press conference here:

Akron officials provide update on massive chemical fire that prompted evacuations

There was some confusion about the name of the company in question. After the press conference, the City of Akron confirmed that it is SMB Products.

Residents evacuated

Around 3 p.m., residents in the area were evacuated and transported to community centers away from the fire.

Nearly 10,000 people, including 1,000 children under the age of five, reside within a one-mile radius of the site.

The evacuation zone was about a half-mile around the building and encompassed several residential neighborhoods.

Fires force evacuation in Akron

Mayor Malik told News 5’s Bob Jones he didn’t know when those who were asked to leave the area would be able to return home.

Akron mayor provides update on chemical fire

The evacuation ban was lifted around 8 p.m. after the EPA determined air quality was within normal limits, Akron Fire reported. Utilities are also being restored.

What was seen outside the evacuation zone

Social media users in the area posted photos and videos of a tower of smoke rising into the sky.

Shortly after 4 p.m., the smoke was thick enough to be detected by radar.

Mark Johnson shows a chemical fire plume on radar