Toledo Expands Evacuation Zone After Chemical Leak

A hazardous materials release at Sterling Pipe & Tube in north Toledo, Ohio, prompted emergency crews to evacuate residents within a one-mile radius of the industrial facility Tuesday night, October 20, 2026. Toledo Fire and Rescue ordered people outside the immediate evacuation zone to shelter indoors as officials worked to identify the chemical involved and manage the leak near 1050 Progress Avenue.

The evacuation perimeter was initially set at a half-mile before being expanded to one mile, according to The Toledo Blade. However, evacuation and shelter instructions were revised as the incident developed, with authorities directing residents to follow the latest instructions issued for their specific locations.

Toledo Fire and Rescue Pvt. Sheldon Collins confirmed that the facility had been evacuated after a tank began leaking outside the building, according to 13 Action News. Officials said a chemical was present in the air, but its identity had not been established in the reports available Tuesday night.

Residents within the evacuation area were told to leave immediately. Those instructed to shelter in place were advised to remain indoors, close all windows and doors, and turn off ventilation systems that draw air from outside, according to Toledo Fire and Rescue.

Raintree Village mobile home park and the Alexis Addition neighborhood were identified as areas within the affected zone. Washington Township officials were working to evacuate residents from Raintree Village, according to 13 Action News.

Emergency shelters were established at Shoreland Elementary School and the Meijer location on East Alexis Road. Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority buses were available at Meijer to transport residents, while the American Red Cross assisted people at the site, according to WTOL and 13 Action News.

Authorities also closed several roads to protect the public and allow emergency personnel to work safely. Enterprise Boulevard between Stickney Avenue and Benore Road was among the affected routes, and nearby railroad operations were halted, according to 13 Action News.

News crews at the scene reported a visible haze and a chemical odor. The moving plume was also reducing visibility on roads in the Toledo area, prompting warnings for motorists to slow down and exercise caution, according to 13 Action News.

Toledo Fire and Rescue asked residents to avoid the incident area and urged the public not to call 911 with routine questions about the leak. Officials said calls related to the incident were overwhelming emergency dispatchers and interfering with their ability to handle other emergencies. Residents seeking nonemergency assistance were directed to contact Engage Toledo.

Emergency crews were first called to the Progress Avenue location at 9:25 p.m. Tuesday, according to The Toledo Blade. The building is owned by Sigma Tube Holding Company and operates as Sterling Pipe and Tube Inc.

The company manufactures electric-welded steel tubes and pipes for customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Its products serve industries including construction, automotive, solar, agriculture, and heating and cooling, according to the company's website.

As of the latest reports, authorities had not identified the chemical released or provided further details about the circumstances of the leak. Emergency response operations continued, with evacuation measures, shelter instructions and access restrictions in place around the affected industrial area.