The Akron Police and Fire Departments have evacuated people within a half mile of a fire at a commercial building in the city.

The fire broke out Thursday afternoon at 1081 Rosemary Blvd in a building containing chemicals that are burning and creating an unsafe hazmat situation, according to the Akron mayor’s office.

 The city has opened the Firestone Park Community Center, 1480 Girard Street, as a temporary shelter and those in the area who are displaced by the evacuation are being bused to the shelter.

Any overflow will be sent to Joy Park Community Center, 825 Fuller Street if needed.

The mayor asked residents to avoid the area around the fire.

According to Stormtracker 21 Meteorologist Andrew DiPaolo, smoke from the fire is so thick, that it is being detected by radar.