CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Akron Police released dashcam and bodycam video to 19 News showing the moments during a massive HAZMAT fire and explosion at SMB Products on September 5.
In one video, you see Akron Police Officers in their cruisers racing to the scene of the huge commercial fire on Rosemary Boulevard.
Once officer have boots on the ground, the first responders rush to nearby townhomes and senior apartments to evacuate those who live just across the street.
"There's a building on fire that if it blows up it can kill anyone within a half mile radius, so we're evacuating the building," said one police officer knocking on doors.
Police video also shows officers racing in their cruisers to keep neighbors safe who live just across the street from the plant.
Seniors at Collinson Senior Apartments were among those forced to leave their homes to avoid the chemicals burning in the air, and the threat of the fire spreading.
Akron Police officers instructed the people evacuated to go even further away from the smoke and flames.
"I need you guys behind the entire plaza," said one officer. "You see that dark smoke? These are like industrial size propane tanks. So you're waiting for it to blow up? I think it's a matter of when not if."
As first responders raced to rescue people, one man rushed to rescue an American Flag from the fire.
A fire that is now just a pile of rubble, but many who live nearby are still worried about their personal health and safety.
"Yes, there are still health concerns," said William Cherry, Akron resident. "Basically we still smell the chemicals and they haven't told us anything about how well things are going over there."
The Collinson Senior Apartment Homes are located just yards away from where the fire happened, and people like Charlotte Jones are worried if there are long term effects from the chemicals.
"It can happen again," said Jones. "That's the scary thing. There are a few people that are having symptoms, such as itchy skin, breathing, nose running. A gentleman in the complex is worried about vomiting."
Neighbors say they are concerned and can still smell chemicals in the air. They also say no one has come to talk to them about their concerns.
Now, the mayor says air quality testing has been done and the air quality is safe.
But some say the City of Akron needs to question why a business that works with hazardous chemicals is allowed to operate so close to their homes.
"It seems like zoning would stop them from being able to put this type of facility in a residential area," said Cherry.
The cause of the fire and explosion are under investigation.