Massive Fire Erupts At Chemtool Inc. Plant In Northern Illinois

Yesterday morning, a fire erupted at the Chemtool Inc plant in Rockton Illinois. The fire prompted the city fire department to order a mandatory evacuation for all residents and businesses within a 1 mile radius of the plant and health officials are asking residents within a 3 mile radius of the fire to wear a mask when outside to avoid respiratory irritation. The public health administrator for Winnebago County, Dr. Sandra Martell, said both of those orders were put into place due to concerns of ‘particulate matter that can become pulmonary irritants’ especially to those with compromised immune systems.

Several explosions of building debris occurred throughout the day yesterday. This morning during a press conference, Rockton Fire Chief Kirk Wilson said the incident is still active but an industrial fire fighting crew from Louisiana who’s handled numerous fires throughout the U.S. is on scene getting the area prepared for extinguishing and a nearby river has to be secured before that can happen. The investigation is still ongoing.