Aftermath of Chemtool fire puts Rockton, Illinois residents at environmental risk
On June 14, at around 7 am, a massive explosion occurred at the Chemtool plant in Rockton, Illinois. A raging fire and large plumes of black smoke forced the evacuation of the plant’s workers and all residents within a one-mile radius.
A fireball explodes out from a Chemtool plant in Rockton, Illinois, as firefighters battle the blaze (screengrab)
Firefighters from all around the area, including Wisconsin, responded to the blaze, which could be seen for miles. Soon, however, Rockton Fire Chief Kirk Wilson told responders to stop using hoses and water to put out the fire and instead allow it to “burn off,” because of possible runoff contamination of the Rock River, approximately 700 feet from the plant. The river is a major resource for Rockton’s residents.
Rockton Chemtool fire to invoke spiller pays to seek reimbursement
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With flames out, fire crews to seek Chemtool reimbursement
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Illinois chemical plant explosion, fires prompt evacuations
By SARA BURNETT and DON BABWINJune 14, 2021 GMT
CHICAGO (AP) An explosion at a northern Illinois chemical plant Monday morning sparked massive fires that sent flames and huge plumes of thick black smoke high into the air and debris raining onto the ground, prompting evacuations.
After 7 a.m., emergency crews rushed to the scene of the fire near Rockton, northwest of Chicago, at Chemtool Inc., a company that manufactures lubricants, grease products and other fluids, and is, according to the company, the largest manufacturer of grease in the Americas.
Rockton Fire Department Chief Kirk Wilson said about 70 employees were evacuated safely from the plant, and that one firefighter suffered a minor injury. Chemtool’s parent company, Lubrizol Corp., later said there were closer to 50 employees present when the plant was evacuated.