AKRON, Ohio — Akron emergency personnel have lifted an evacaution ban after a fire to a building containing chemicals was deemed under control, accoring to a release from the City of Akron.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said Akron emergency personnel responded to a call about a structure fire at Koki Laboratories, located at 1081 Rosemary Blvd. Chemicals are burning and officials are considering this an unsafe hazmat situation.
In a press conference Thursday afternoon, city officials provided an update on their concerns about the fire and potential explosion, reiterating their call that people in the half-mile area of concern evacuate immediately.
The chemicals in the building — reported by the company — are methanol, propane and xylene.
Officials said their primary concern is the fire and possible explosion and that residents outside the perimeter area don’t need to worry about the smoke unless they have underlying health conditions.
The fire was under control at 7:34 p.m. and the evacuation ban was lifted at 8 p.m.
They do not have total estimates on the number of people evacuated or any information regarding injuries. The underlying cause of the fire will be the subject of future investigations, officials said.
“Until the fire and the scene is completely safe, we will make sure the scene and the perimeter also stays evacuated of residents, employees, and we’ll continue to secure that scene,” Lash said.
Akron City Councilman Johnnie Hannah, whose ward the fire is in, thanked the mayor, fire department, police and the METRO Regional Transit Authority for their efforts.
“All the citizens in Ward 5 and in that particular area are very grateful that no one has been injured so far and no one has been taken to the hospital,” he said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.