Toledo Orders One Mile Evacuation After Chemical Leak

Residents within one mile of an industrial facility in north Toledo, Ohio, were ordered to evacuate Tuesday night, October 20, 2026, after a chemical leak at Sterling Pipe & Tube on Progress Avenue. The Toledo Fire and Rescue Department issued the warning as emergency crews responded, while officials said the chemicals involved had not yet been identified.

Toledo Fire and Rescue Department spokesperson Pvt. Sheldon Collins confirmed that the incident occurred at 1050 Progress Ave. and that the facility had been evacuated. Officials had not determined which chemicals were present in the air, Collins said.

The department urged residents to stay calm, follow emergency personnel's instructions, and keep away from the affected area while first responders managed the incident.

"We ask everyone to remain calm, follow the directions of emergency personnel, and avoid the affected area to allow first responders to safely manage the incident. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available," the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department said in a social media post.

A city of Toledo spokesperson said Tuesday night that evacuation and shelter-in-place orders did not extend beyond the one-mile radius. The spokesperson also confirmed that no injuries or fatalities had been reported.

Emergency crews planned to continue monitoring the site overnight, with city officials prepared to provide further information as the response progressed.

"Crews will continue to monitor the scene overnight and provide updates as needed," the city spokesperson said.

Officials directed residents seeking information to contact Engage Toledo at 419-936-2020 rather than call 911. The city also designated the Meijer store on Alexis Road and Shoreland Elementary School as temporary shelters for people displaced by the evacuation.

The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) and the American Red Cross were assisting residents at the Meijer location, according to the source report.

The Toledo Assembly Complex was also evacuated at approximately 11 p.m. Tuesday, according to several workers. WTOL 11 said it had contacted Stellantis for comment, but the source report did not include a response from the company.