Hazardous Materials Evacuation Orders in Effect for North Toledo

Last updated: October 22, 8:25 p.m. This page will be updated as new information is available.

What happened?

• At 10:48 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, Toledo Fire & Rescue ordered everyone within a 1-mile radius of 1266 Progress Ave (MC Tank Terminal) to evacuate. because of a hazardous materials release.
• At 4:24 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, Toledo Fire & Rescue ordered everyone within a 3-mile radius to shelter in place.
• At 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, Toledo Fire & Rescue adjusted the evacuation zone to a 1/2 mile radius and lifted the shelter-in-place order.
• At 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, Toledo Fire & Rescue adjusted the evacuation zone to a 1/4 mile radius.

Toledo Fire & Rescue hazardous materials personnel are working with federal, state and local partners to monitor conditions, coordinate mitigation efforts, and evaluate next steps.

What is the current guidance for residents?

• The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department has issued guidance for residents returning to homes.
• The Health Department is developing guidance for food businesses to safely return to operation.
• The Ohio State University Extension office recommends that residents/businesses dispose of any produce or crops that were outside within the 3-mile shelter-in-place zone.
• The City of Toledo will begin cleaning playgrounds within the 3-mile shelter-in-place zone in line with health department guidance.
• Follow along with updates from the US EPA's response

What chemical was released?

The chemical released is glycidyl methacrylate, an irritant that can cause burning of the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin. If exposure occurs, shower or rinse the impacted area.

Symptoms of overexposure include headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea and vomiting. Please contact a medical professional if you believe you're having a reaction to exposure. The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department also has an informational hotline: 419-779-7089.

Am I in the evacuation zone?

The zone is a 1/4-mile radius around 1266 Progress Ave. If you live or work within 1/4 mile of that address, evacuate now. There is no shelter-in-place order. The evacuation will remain in place until the explosion risk has passed. There are 64 households in the current evacuation radius.

The emergency shelter closed at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday because all evacuees had found other accommodations. Anyone who still needs shelter can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or 211 to connect with resources.

Enter your address in the map below to see if you fall in the reduced evacuation zone or view a static image.

Is the tap water safe?

Yes. The water source is not contaminated. All treatment for tap water takes place inside and is distributed through pressurized water lines.

There's fog and haze where I am. Is that the chemical plume?

Dense fog and very little wind are affecting visibility across Toledo. You can't tell fog from the release by looking, so please don't rely on how the air looks. If you are outside the evacuation or shelter-in-place zones and smell an unusual odor, please stay indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation that draws in outside air.

I can smell a chemical odor. Should I be concerned?

Smelling an odor doesn't always mean toxic levels of exposure. If you are outside the evacuation or shelter-in-place zones and smell an unusual odor, please stay indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation that draws in outside air.

I'm feeling unwell. What should I do?

• For minor symptoms, such as mild eye, nose, throat, or skin irritation, shower or rinse the impacted area and contact a medical professional.
• For serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, or confusion, go to the emergency room or call 911.
• If you're looking for health-related guidance, you can contact the Toledo Lucas-County Health Department at 419-213-4100.

Can I drive through the area? Is the Interstate closed?

The interstate is still open. Anyone driving through should roll up their windows and recirculate the air inside the vehicle. Roads are closed surrounding the area of evacuation.

Can I take my boat into waterways in the area?

Coast Guard advises compliance with prescribed evacuation and shelter-in-place zones while operating on water at this time due to potential exposure through the air.

Who should I call for more information?

Call 911 only for emergencies. Engage Toledo will not be able to provide more information than what has been released. More information will be available here as soon as possible.

Where can I get official updates?

City of Toledo website, Toledo Fire & Rescue social media, and Lucas County EMA alerts.

What is the impact to City services?

City services returned to normal operations Thursday, Oct. 22. Normal trash collection has resumed; residents whose pickup was missed yesterday will be collected on the next regularly scheduled collection day.

Past Resources

Impact to city services - October 21

Top 4 things to know - October 21 (English) | (Spanish)

Critical information - October 21 (ASL)

Toledo-Lucas County Health Department Guidance

Lucas County OSU Extension Guidance for Livestock and Pets