ROCKTON, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A massive fire at a chemical plant in Rockton rages on and could burn for several days. WBBM Newsradio's Nancy Harty reports more than 40 departments responded to the fire that started at around 7 a.m. and caused a mandatory evacuation of residents within a mile radius.
The fire happened around 7 a.m. at Chemtool Inc., located at 1165 Prairie Hill Road, in Rockton, a suburb 10 miles north of Rockford. About 70 employees were already evacuated from the chemical plant by the time the first fire crews arrived, said Rockton Fire Chief Kirk Wilson.
"When we first arrived, we had heavy fire conditions already through the roof," he said. "As far as a start or a cause of what created this catastrophic incident - we don't know yet."
He said the fire department ordered a mandatory evacuation of people near the chemical plant as large plumes of black smoke filled the sky.
"I assure you that there is no danger at ground level at the plant, but just for a precautionary measure," Chief Wilson said.
The alert issued to residents read: "Rockton Fire has ordered a mandatory evacuation for area south of Chemtool due to an industrial fire. This notice affects all residents and business south of Chemtool on Prairie Hill Road. Traffic is advised to avoid area."
Evacuated residents were advised to go to Stephen Mack Middle School.
Governor Pritzker deployed the Illinois National Guard and activated the state’s emergency center to the fire. In addition, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) dispatched crews to the area to assist local jurisdictions to expedite assistance and resources.
“I am monitoring this situation closely and will make all resources available to the surrounding communities as we work to keep people safe,” said Governor JB Pritzker, in a statement. “Teams from multiple state agencies are on the ground and coordinating closely with local authorities and we will continue to make additional information available as soon we have it. To those impacted, please listen to guidance from emergency officials and know that the state of Illinois is doing everything possible to protect you and your loved ones.”
Corbin Fincham's barbershop is outside the one mile evacuation zone, but he said in downtown Rockton he could see black ash coating cars and streets.
"Like a tire, like if you sped really fast, there's like tire marks, but it was everywhere, like burnt tire," he said.
Chief Wilson said one firefighter suffered a minor injury, before they pulled crews. He said they've decided it's best to let the oil lubricants burn off over several days rather than fight the fire and send runoff possibly into the nearby Rock River.
Rockton-based Chemtool Inc. manufactures greases and industrial fluids, and has a plant in Crystal Lake in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
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