Fire, Explosion at Chemical Plant Force Evacuation

A fire and explosion occurred at a chemical plant in Akron, OH, on Thursday afternoon.

When fire crews arrived at Koki Laboratories, there was heavy smoke and flames coming from the back of the building, Fire District Chief Sierjie Lash said. She said employees already had evacuated the building at that time.

Koki Laboratories is a chemical packaging company that produces aerosol and liquid filling packaging as well as contract chemical packaging, according to Bloomberg.

The 3-alarm fire involved chemicals that are not only flammable but also potentially explosive, leading to concerns about air quality and safety.

Akron firefighters said their main concern about the fire was it spreading to propane tanks and other explosive materials that were inside the plant.

Due to the risk of explosions, Akron police evacuated a half-mile radius from the fire.

The fire department stated a "small explosive sound" that was heard just before 3 p.m. triggered the evacuation of a half-mile area around the building. The evacuation was lifted at 8 p.m. and no persons were said to be injured.

Lash said that the on-scene hazmat team will be researching any health hazards posed by the chemicals.

As well, Ohio EPA is on the scene and will be monitoring the air quality for the next few days. Currently, it is within normal limits, reported local Cleveland 19 news.