An intense fire erupted at a chemical plant in Stickney, a suburb west of Chicago, on Wednesday evening, according to local authorities.
Aerial footage from Chopper 7 captured the dramatic scene near Koppers Inc., located on the 3900 block of South Laramie Avenue, straddling the Cicero border.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Firefighters were observed deploying several water lines onto a large tank, which appeared to be ruptured with its lid precariously detached.
Footage shared on the Citizen app depicted towering flames and a thick column of black smoke billowing from the site.
“The Stickney Fire Department has confirmed that the blaze has been extinguished, and air quality tests show no harmful effects,” read a partial statement from Cicero officials. “Nevertheless, as a precaution, residents nearby in Cicero are advised to keep their windows closed and remain indoors.”
The incident prompted a substantial response, drawing in emergency teams from various agencies, including a specialized 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.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.