North Toledo Hazmat Situation

The evacuation area in north Toledo has been reduced to a half mile radius of the MC Tank facility on Progress Avenue where Tuesday’s hazmat situation occurred. Residents within that area must remain evacuated. The shelter-in-place order for the surrounding area was lifted by the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department. Shoreland Elementary remains open for those needing shelter. The City says the situation is gradually improving.

City leaders are allowing the chemical to vent from the tank instead of having first responders try to stop the leak over concerns that it could cause an explosion. The chemical is called glycidyl methacrylate, which is used in the product of plastics and paints. The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department says it cause coughing, throat irritation, headaches, shortness of breath, and skin or eye irritation. Experts have said the chemical has a short life and it’ll likely lose it’s strength quickly.

Meanwhile, the hazmat incident led to numerous businesses, organizations, schools, and government offices closing yesterday. TFRD hazmat personnel and other crews are continuing to monitor and assess conditions. The FAA placed a temporary flight restriction over north Toledo yesterday for emergency response drones. No injuries have been reported other than a sheriff’s deputy who went to a hospital for treatment. The TFRD will keep coordinating with officials and media to provide updates when available. Click here to visit the City of Toledo's hazmat situation website.