Canton: Hundreds evacuated overnight as sulfur dioxide fire burns

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CANTON, Ohio -- Hundreds of people are under an overnight evacuation order as an industrial fire spewing sulfur dioxide continues to burn.

Canton Fire Department officials tell WKYC a former packaging business is on fire at 19th Street and Harrisburg Road.

The business is identified as the building that previously housed Convoy Containers. Convoy Containers ceased operations in May 2011, according to the company's website. Although not in use at this time, officials were told the building was being rehabilitated. It is not clear if any work was being done today.

Fire Department officials are concerned about chemicals in the air emitting from containers inside the company.

According to reports from the scene, the fire is releasing sulfur dioxide into the air, which was measured at 53 parts per million inside the building around 10 p.m. Monday. County HAZMAT officials say that level has dropped to 10 ppm around 11:30 p.m., but the number is constantly fluctuating.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is at the scene and the U.S. E.P.A. will arrive overnight from Detroit with additional equipment.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry says levels of sulfur dioxide higher than 30 ppm can be lethal in 10 minutes of exposure.

Residents living in the area of 25th Street North to Fourth Street South, and from Rowland Avenue to Grace Avenue, are under an evacuation order overnight.

An American Red Cross overnight shelter was established at the Canton Memorial Civic Center on Market Street North. It is open to the public. If you need assistance please contact the Canton Dispatch Center at (330) 649-5800.

Akron-Canton Airport and counties downwind of the smoke to the south and west have been notified about the risk and are monitoring any safety threats, a Canton Fire Department official said. 

No injuries are being reported. 

WKYC-TV

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