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On Wednesday evening, emergency crews were dispatched following reports of a fire at a chemical facility located near Stickney and Cicero. The incident drew significant attention as it unfolded at the Koppers Inc. plant situated along the 3900 block of South Laramie in Stickney.
Chopper 7 captured aerial footage of the scene, revealing firefighters diligently working to contain the situation. Multiple lines of water were trained on a large tank that appeared to have suffered a rupture, with its lid precariously hanging off.
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Witnesses also shared footage on the Citizen app, which depicted dramatic flames and a towering column of black smoke billowing from the plant, underscoring the intensity of the situation.
In response to the emergency, the Town of Cicero issued a safety alert. “The Stickney Fire Department has notified us that the fire has been extinguished and air quality testing is showing no impact,” the alert stated. However, as a precautionary measure, Cicero residents in the vicinity were advised to keep their windows closed and shelter in place to ensure their safety.
“The Stickney Fire Department has notified us that the fire has been extinguished and air quality testing is showing no impact,” a safety alert from the Town of Cicero read in part. “Still, out of an abundance of caution, Cicero residents in the area should close all windows to their home and shelter in place.”
The fire drew a massive response from multiple agencies, including a hazmat unit from Bedford Park.
Chicago fire officials said CFD crews were assisting Stickney with assets.
It was not immediately know might have caused the fire or if anyone was injured.
ABC7 has reached out to the Stickney Fire Department for more information.
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