Toledo Firefighters Order Evacuations After Hazmat Incident

A hazardous materials incident at the Sterling Pipe & Tube Facility in Toledo, Ohio, prompted firefighters to order evacuations late Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The Toledo Fire & Rescue Department established a one-mile evacuation zone near Enterprise Boulevard and Progress Avenue and urged residents and drivers to stay away while emergency crews responded.

The Toledo Fire & Rescue Department announced the active incident in a social media post. According to WTOL, a local CBS affiliate, fire officials confirmed that the Sterling Pipe & Tube Facility had been evacuated.

Authorities also urged people in the affected area to remain indoors if instructed to shelter in place, close windows and doors, and shut down ventilation systems that draw air from outside. Officials did not provide further details about the hazardous materials involved or report any injuries in the information available.

In its public safety instructions, the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department outlined steps residents should take to reduce potential exposure while responders managed the incident.

"Shelter in place by remaining indoors, closing all windows and doors, and turning off ventilation systems that bring in outside air," Toledo fire officials said.

The department also urged the public to remain calm, follow emergency personnel's instructions, and avoid the affected area to give first responders room to work safely.

"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," Toledo fire officials said.

Separately, several workers told WTOL that the Toledo Assembly complex was also evacuated at approximately 11 p.m. Tuesday. The available report did not establish whether that evacuation was directly connected to the incident at the Sterling Pipe & Tube Facility.

Residents and motorists were advised to avoid the area until authorities issued further notice. The reported evacuation perimeter extended one mile from the incident, according to Toledo fire officials.