Hazardous Materials Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place Orders in Effect for North Toledo

Last updated: October 21, 7:30 a.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. The release is ongoing, and crews continue to monitor the situation.

At 4:24 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, Toledo Fire & Rescue ordered everyone within a 3-mile radius to shelter in place. This means stay where you are, stay indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation that draws in outside air. Keep pets indoors.

At 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, City of Toledo officials will host a news conference to provide updates. You can watch the live stream on Facebook.

Am I in the evacuation zone?

The zone is a 1-mile radius around 1050 Progress Ave. If you live or work within 1 mile of that address, evacuate now. You can go to:

• Shoreland Elementary School — temporary shelter
• Meijer parking lot (off E. Alexis) — Red Cross and TARTA buses are stationed to provide shelter as needed

Am I in the shelter in place zone?

The zone is a 3-mile radius around 1050 Progress Ave. If you live or work within 3 miles of that address, shelter in place. This means stay where you are, stay indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation that draws in outside air. Keep pets indoors.

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.

Has anyone been hurt? Was there an explosion?

No injuries or fatalities have been reported. There hasn't been an explosion, only a release of hazardous materials.

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.

What chemical was released?

The chemical released is 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.

Where can I get official updates?

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