Venting Volatile Chemical Causes Evacuations in Whitewater Township, OH

Sept. 25, 2024

Little Miami Fire Rescue Chief Mike Siefke said he was worried that the styrene may explode if it heated up inside the tanker.

Susan Nicol

Firefighters are concerned if styrene heats up in a tanker it could explode. That's why they've been spraying it with water for hours after learning about the venting car in Whitewater Township.

Residents in the immediate area were evacuated while others were told to shelter in place. Area stores and roads were closed as firefighters and hazmat crews responded to incident.

Little Miami Fire and Rescue Chief Mike Siefke told WCPO reporters: "I am more concerned knowing what we know now — I don't have all the details, the experts are doing their tasks right now."

Residents were asked to evacuate or remain indoors. If residents feel ill they should immediately call 9-1-1.

Styrene is a colorless, flammable liquid used to make plastics and rubber. It is highly volatile.

Three Rivers Local School District officials canceled classes for Wednesday.

Crews remained at the scene Tuesday night.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.