Akron Factory Fire, East Palestine 2.0?

AKRON - A large chemical fire erupted at the SMB Products building located at 1081 Rosemary Blvd. in East Akron leading to an evacuation of the surrounding area. Concerned citizens have made comparisons to the chemical fires that polluted East Palestine, Ohio.

At around 1:00 p.m., Akron fire department responded to a factory blaze occurring in East Akron as large plumes of black smoke were reported in the skies. First responders were unable to control the blaze and reportedly told citizens they were going to have to "let it burn" after running out of chemicals to contain the inferno. Citizens who spoke with fire department officials stated the main concern was a chemical known as xylene as well as propane, methanol .  Xylene is used as a solvent and in the printing, rubber, and leather industries. It is also used as a cleaning agent, a thinner for paint, and in paints and varnishes. It is found in small amounts in airplane fuel and gasoline. Officials are currently unsure if other chemicals were involved.

Radar indicates a large plume of toxic chemicals moving North East on current wind patterns, making it a far greater problem for the North East Ohio area than the train derailment and intentional burn of hazardous chemicals by the EPA in February 2023.

Officials currently state the fire is now under control, however information is sparse on what damage may have been caused by the unrestricted burn from earlier this afternoon into the evening hours. Citizens were initially evacuated from a large area in direct pathway of the fumes and flames but officials are now declaring it safe for resident to return to their homes.

As of 8:00 p.m., the Environmental Protection Agency has stated they have tested air quality around the area of evacuation and tests returned positive and within "normal ranges."

The Ohio Register will continue to monitor this story as it unfolds.