On the morning of June 11, 2025, a significant chemical leak at the Austin Powder Plant in McArthur, Ohio, triggered a swift evacuation of residents in nearby areas, including the village of Zaleski and several surrounding roads. The incident, involving the release of nitric acid, sent a striking orange plume into the sky and raised concerns about public safety and environmental impact in this southeastern Ohio community.
At approximately 8:30 a.m., plant workers detected a leak from a 5,000-gallon storage tank containing nitric acid, a hazardous chemical used in explosives manufacturing. According to Robert Czechlewski, spokesman for the Vinton County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), about 3,000 gallons of nitric acid were released, creating a plume of nitric oxide that appeared as a red cloud drifting northeast. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed that the release had since stopped.
The Austin Powder Plant, located on Powder Plant Road in McArthur, is one of the few facilities in the United States specializing in commercial explosives production. McArthur lies roughly 27 miles southeast of Chillicothe, Ohio, and the incident impacted the surrounding rural communities with a combined population of approximately 750 residents, including Zaleski.
Authorities responded promptly, issuing an immediate evacuation order at 8:30 a.m. for residents on Powder Plant Road between State Routes 50 and 278, as well as Creek Road, Morgan Road, Infirmary Road, State Route 677, and the village of Zaleski. The evacuation aimed to shield residents from inhaling the dangerous chemical, which can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, dizziness, and in extreme cases, unconsciousness or death.
The Vinton County Sheriff’s Office directed evacuees to travel east to State Route 278 and then to U.S. 50 to avoid exposure and roadblocks. For those without transportation, school buses were dispatched to Saint Sylvester Catholic Church to facilitate their evacuation. A shelter was established at Vinton County High School by the Red Cross to accommodate displaced residents.
Social media updates from the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office kept the public informed throughout the day. Hazmat crews from Ross County, Hocking County, Wellston Fire Department, and local emergency teams were dispatched to assist in containing the leak and monitoring air quality. Emergency crews were also stationed at the Vinton County Emergency Operations Center, awaiting the dissipation of the nitric acid plume before resuming normal operations.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a temporary no-fly zone with a 30-mile radius and a ceiling of 23,000 feet around the plant to ensure aviation safety during the incident. Later in the day, this restriction was reduced to a 3-mile radius as conditions improved.
Despite the alarming nature of the leak and the striking orange cloud visible in photographs taken by residents, there were no reported injuries. Health officials advised anyone who felt they had been exposed to the chemical to immediately wash themselves and their eyes and to seek medical attention if symptoms persisted.
During a press conference, Robert Czechlewski detailed the chemical reaction that occurred, explaining that the nitric acid decomposed, releasing nitrogen oxide (NOx), which formed the visible plume. He cautioned that acute exposure to nitric oxide could be fatal and urged residents to heed safety instructions.
Austin Powder issued a statement acknowledging the sudden and unexpected release of nitrogen oxide at their Red Diamond Plant, confirming that emergency response protocols were activated immediately. The company emphasized its commitment to the safety of employees and the community, noting that air quality monitoring and site safety assessments were ongoing. They also confirmed that the nitric acid itself remained fully contained, with no spills or leaks beyond the tank.
The company is conducting an internal investigation into the incident and cooperating with local, state, and federal agencies to assess the situation thoroughly. Air quality modeling indicated that nitrogen oxide levels at the plant’s fence line remained below health-hazard thresholds.
Ohio State Senator Shane Wilkin and U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno released statements urging residents to follow the guidance of emergency personnel and reassuring the public that officials were closely monitoring the situation. Senator Moreno offered support to those affected, emphasizing that his office was in contact with authorities and ready to assist.
By 4:30 p.m., after continuous air quality assessments and monitoring, the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office lifted the evacuation orders, allowing residents to return home. Officials cautioned, however, that cleanup efforts could take days or even weeks to complete fully, and residents should remain vigilant.
Production at the Austin Powder Plant was canceled for the second and third shifts on the day of the incident, reflecting the seriousness with which the situation was handled. The plant’s operations will likely remain under scrutiny as investigations continue.
While the community breathes a sigh of relief with the lifted evacuation, the event serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with industrial chemical storage and the importance of emergency preparedness. The collaborative response from local agencies, the plant, and federal authorities ensured that the incident was contained without injury or long-term harm.
As the cleanup and investigation proceed, residents and officials alike are watching closely, hopeful that lessons learned will prevent future occurrences and that the natural beauty and safety of Vinton County will be preserved.
