A storage tank at the Koppers Inc. plant in Stickney exploded and erupted in flames Wednesday evening, May 27, drawing firefighters from more than a dozen departments to battle the blaze.
The Stickney Fire Department responded to the explosion at 3900 Laramie Avenue at 6:07 p.m. Crews arriving on scene found the tank’s top blown off, with heavy fire and smoke pouring from the opening. All employees were accounted for and evacuated safely.
The tank contained petroleum distillate, a highly flammable material. Stickney Fire Chief Jeffrey Boyajian called for additional resources, including a MABAS Box Alarm, a Hazardous Materials Box Alarm, and the Chicago Fire Department’s Foam Task Force.
At the height of the incident, firefighters deployed two elevated master streams, two handlines, and foam suppression equipment. The fire remained confined to the single tank. Prevailing winds carried smoke away from residential areas. As a precaution, nearby residents were advised to shelter in place.
Hazardous materials teams and Koppers personnel continuously monitored air quality throughout the incident. No hazardous readings were detected. Crews began leaving the scene around 7:30 p.m.
Boyajian said Thursday that investigators have not yet determined what caused the explosion.
“The tank is in an unsafe condition, so the investigation may take a while,” he said.
He emphasized that his first priority upon arrival was ensuring all employees were accounted for. The cause remains under investigation.