Is there a weird smell outside? Chemical smell reported in Lake in the Hills, Algonquin, Illinois and more; source is unknown

Residents across the Chicago area have been flooding emergency lines over the weekend, reporting a mysterious chemical odor lingering in the air. The exact source of this smell remains a mystery, according to local authorities.

The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District has confirmed that they’ve received numerous 911 calls regarding an unfamiliar odor, which has been variously described as resembling chemicals or burning electrical components.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

These reports began pouring in from late Saturday night into Sunday morning, covering a vast region that stretches from central Illinois, through Indiana, and reaching up to the Wisconsin border.

While the origin of the odor seems to be quite a distance south of the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills area, officials have yet to pinpoint its exact source.

The fire protection district is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with regional agencies to determine the cause of the smell.

Authorities advise residents to seek medical help if they experience symptoms such as breathing difficulties, dizziness, nausea, or irritation.

Call 911 only if there is an immediate emergency or life-safety concern, officials added.

Further information was not immediately available.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like

Chicago City Council Housing Committee advances Mayor Brandon Johnson's Protecting Renters Ordinance

Chicago Advances Mayor Johnson’s Protecting Renters Ordinance

CHICAGO — The Chicago City Council took a step Wednesday toward expanding…
LA City Hall gadfly blasts Karen Bass in F-bomb-filled tirade

LA City Hall Critic Unleashes Expletive-Laced Tirade Against Mayor Karen Bass

A longtime Los Angeles City Hall gadfly launched a profanity-laced tirade in…
Trump brings new heat to controversial UN agency as alleged Hamas ties engulf scores of employees

Trump Intensifies Scrutiny of UN Agency Amid Alleged Hamas Ties Involving Dozens of Employees

President Donald Trump has drawn renewed attention to a U.S. government investigation…
DCPS: Gun found in new principal's car at Baldwin Middle-Senior High School

Gun Found in New Baldwin School Principal’s Car, DCPS Says

An anonymous tip led authorities to a loaded firearm inside the vehicle…
Charlie Kirk's family alleges UVU knew of rooftop security risk before his assassination: legal filing

Charlie Kirk Family Alleges UVU Knew Rooftop Risk Before Killing

‘Charlie Kirk: The Last Interview’ Recorded on the morning of Sept. 10,…
Human bone found in Humboldt Bay beach solves 1999 fisherman mystery

Human Bone Found on Humboldt Bay Beach Solves 1999 Fisherman Mystery

A bone discovered on a Northern California beach has been identified as…
Norway faces backlash over 'deeply racist' proposal to jail citizens for West Bank business

Norway Faces Backlash Over Proposal to Jail Citizens for West Bank Business Ties

Norway is facing criticism over proposed legislation that opponents say unfairly targets…
Inside the Secret Service's LA28 recruitment effort

Secret Service Steps Up LA28 Recruitment for Olympic Security

The U.S. Secret Service is ramping up recruitment as it prepares for…
Trump says 'Iran lies and cheats' as IRGC emerges as dominant force in negotiations with US

Iran Escalates Drone Hunt, Targeting US Spy Tech Secrets

Iran is intentionally targeting U.S. naval drones in the Strait of Hormuz…
Injured climber crawls ‘through the night’ to safety after falling 500 feet down California mountain

Climber Crawls Overnight After 500-Foot California Fall

A California climber who was seriously injured in a 500-foot fall on…
Delaware Sen. Chris Coons defeats challenger E. No-Trump Hansen in Democratic primary

Chris Coons Wins Delaware Democratic Primary, Beats Hansen

Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware easily won his primary Tuesday, turning…
Texas moves to shut down police department over failure to provide 'public benefit to the community'

Texas Moves to Shut Down Police Department Over Public Benefit Failure

Texas mom jailed over dirty water Facebook post Jennifer Combs says she…