The scene of this morning's explosion at the Chemtool plant in Rockton, seen by neighbors off Fischer Road in South Beloit. 'I assure you that there is no danger at ground level at the plant, but just for a precautionary measure, we decided that it was in the best interests of community safety that we evacuated the area,' he said.

Wilson said crews also have been conducting air quality tests, and have determined there is no danger to air quality at ground level.

So we stopped water operations at this point.' 'The main thing is that we don't want an environmental nightmare to occur, and the reason that we would cause that is by the use of water streams. 'That's the best thing that we can do right now,' Wilson said. Wilson said it could take a matter of days for the fire to completely burn itself out. Meanwhile, Rockton Fire Chief Kirk Wilson said crews are letting the fire burn itself out, rather than pouring any more water on it, out of concern about chemical runoff into the nearby Rock River. Sandra Martell also said anyone within three miles of the fire should wear a face mask when outdoors. Winnebago County Public Health Administrator Dr. Langloss said, “With Chief Shipman and Deputy Chief Callison announcing their retirements, we felt it was important to select our next fire chief and give him the opportunity to work with Shipman and Callison over the next four months to ensure a smooth transition.” Buskohl will retain his duties as a Fire Captain during the transition.Others said they would rent a hotel room for the night or stay with family. I would like to congratulate both men on doing a great job throughout this process.”īuskohl will replace Chief Tim Shipman upon his retirement in late July or early August. Both are incredibly accomplished in their field and are great leaders. Buskohl is also a board member of the Sauk Valley Community Leadership Development Program.Ĭity Manager Danny Langloss said, “We had two highly qualified applicants for this position who have dedicated their life to serve Dixon. Buskohl is an adjunct instructor and curriculum coordinator of fire science at Sauk Valley Community College. Buskohl served in that leadership position for two years and was then promoted to Fire Captain in September of 2013. Buskohl quickly moved his way up the ranks and was promoted to Fire Lieutenant in 2011. Prior to the interviews, candidates were required to submit a detailed research paper on a specific fire department initiative.īuskohl joined the Dixon Fire Department in 2005 after working as a paramedic with CGH Emergency Medical Services and a volunteer with the Polo Fire Department. The committee was created to assist City Manager Danny Langloss in providing an independent, merit-based process. The committee consisted of City Councilmen Mike Venier and Dennis Considine, Assistant City Manager Matt Heckman, Finance Director / HR Becky Fredericks, Fire Chief Tim Shipman, Firefighter Aaron Brown, Division Chief Matt Knott of the Rockford Fire Department, and City Manager Danny Langloss. Buskohl was selected following an extensive process administered by an advisory committee. Buskohl, 40, is a life-long resident of the Sauk Valley area and a 14 year veteran of the Dixon Fire Department. Dixon Fire Captain Ryan Buskohl will be appointed to serve as the next Dixon Fire Chief.

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