Toledo Fire & Rescue has told people to leave the area within a one-mile radius of 1050 Progress Ave. because of a hazardous material release at Sterling Pipe & Tube. The leak happened around 10:48 p.m. on Tuesday. A tank outside the facility is leaking, so the building has been emptied. If you’re not in the evacuation zone, you should stay inside, close all windows and doors, and turn off any systems that bring in outside air. Several streets are closed, like Enterprise Boulevard between Stickney Avenue and Benore Road, and railroads are shut down too. Don’t call 911 about this leak because it’s tying up emergency lines. If you have questions or need help, call Engage Toledo instead. The chemical in the air hasn’t been identified yet. The Red Cross and TARTA buses are at Meijer on East Alexis to help people who need to leave. Raintree Village mobile home park and the Alexis Addition neighborhood are in the evacuation zone, and Washington Township is helping with that. There’s a haze in the air and a chemical smell, and the plume is moving, so drivers should be careful and slow down. We’re still learning what the hazardous material is. This is breaking news, so check back for updates.
