A worker was injured after a chemical reaction at a manufacturing plant in Gurnee, prompting an evacuation and a hazardous materials response Thursday morning.
The Gurnee Fire Department responded around 12:05 a.m. Thursday to Weiman Products, 755 Tri-State Parkway in Gurnee, for a report of a possible chemical spill or reaction.
Gurnee Fire Department Battalion Chief Bob Heraver said crews arrived to find a 300-gallon plastic tote, which was half full.
The plastic tote was filled with a strong acid and it is possible that residue from leftover chemicals mixed with the acid, Heraver said.
The combination resulted in a slow chemical reaction occurring. A hazardous materials response was dispatched to the scene.
The building was evacuated and the area was cordoned off, Heraver said.
Heraver said firefighters checked the area to ensure the atmosphere was clear, which it was determined to be “relatively safe.”
An employee suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics. They did not require transport to the hospital.
Fire crews stood by to continue monitoring the tank and atmosphere while keeping everyone out of the area for approximately two hours, Heraver said. No chemicals escaped outside.
A cleanup company was called to the scene to mitigate the issue and firefighters remained on the scene for an additional four hours.
Parts of the building reopened but remediation continued throughout the day Thursday.