Pritzker Activates State Emergency Operation Center, Deploys National
Guard to Respond to Chemical Fire in Winnebago County
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[June 15, 2021]
Governor JB Pritzker has activated the State Emergency Operation Center
to mobilize emergency response personnel and operational facilities to
monitor a large chemical fire in Winnebago County. Upon notification of
the emergency, the State notified authorities in Winnebago, Stephenson
and McHenry counties. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)
and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) dispatched crews to the
area to assist local jurisdictions to expedite assistance and resources.
The Illinois State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield was
activated and members of the Illinois National Guard and mobile response
vehicles were dispatched to the area.
Out of an abundance of caution, local authorities have evacuated a
two-mile radius around the Rockton facility. Residents are encouraged to
seek shelter at Roscoe Middle School, 6121 Elevator Road in Roscoe.
State health officials are recommending that residents within the
evacuation zone to northern part of Rockford utilize the use of masks or
face coverings for the time being. This is to prevent the inhalation of
particulate matter (soot). As this emergency progresses, it is important
for residents to stay informed by monitoring local media for changing
instructions.
“I am monitoring this situation closely and will make all resources
available to the surrounding communities as we work to keep people
safe,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Teams from multiple state agencies
are on the ground and coordinating closely with local authorities and we
will continue to make additional information available as soon we have
it. To those impacted, please listen to guidance from emergency
officials and know that the state of Illinois is doing everything
possible to protect you and your loved ones.”
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Shortly after 7:00 a.m., a large fire broke out at Chemtool, 1165
Prairie Hill Road in Rockton. Chemtool is the largest manufacturer of
grease in the United States. Chemtool participates in the Tier II
program. Tier II is an annual federal report that is mandatory for
companies that store hazardous materials. This report is used by state
and federal authorities to track and enforce rules related to the
storing of hazardous materials in a facility. It also helps local
authorities in the event of an emergency, such as a fire.
Personnel from the following State agencies and organizations are
responding to this emergency:
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Illinois Emergency Management Agency
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Illinois State Police
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Illinois Department of Transportation
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Illinois Department of Public Health
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Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
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Office of State Fire Marshal
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Illinois National Guard
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Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS)
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American Red Cross
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Salvation Army
In addition, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency has activated its
Radiological Emergency Assessment Center (REAC) and the Illinois
National guard Civil Support Team to monitor the environment to
establish air monitoring to validate plume modeling. These teams are
used to make environmental recommendations to keep the general public
safe.
[Office of the Governor JB Pritzker] |