Unknown Source of Chemical Smell Reported in Chicago Area

Fire officials say they have received multiple 911 calls about an unidentified odor.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Residents in the Chicago area have been calling 911 to report a chemical or burning electrical smell in the air, but the source of the odor is currently unknown, according to the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District. The reports span a wide area from central Illinois through Indiana and as far north as the Wisconsin border, but the source appears to be coming from a distance "quite south" of the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills area. Officials are actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with regional partners to gather more information.

Why it matters

The unknown source of the chemical smell has caused concern among residents in the Chicago area, prompting multiple 911 calls. Fire officials are working to identify the origin of the odor and determine if it poses any health or safety risks to the community.

The details

The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District said it has received multiple 911 calls about an unknown odor described as a chemical or burning electrical smell in the air. The reports started late Saturday night or early Sunday morning and span a wide geographic area. While the source appears to be coming from a distance south of the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills area, the exact origin is still unknown.

  • The reports of the chemical smell started late Saturday night or early Sunday morning.

The players

Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District

The local fire department that has received multiple 911 calls about the unknown chemical smell and is coordinating with regional partners to investigate the source.

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What’s next

Officials said they are actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with regional partners and other agencies to gather more information about the source of the chemical smell.

The takeaway

The unidentified source of the chemical smell has caused concern among residents in the Chicago area, prompting a response from local fire officials. Determining the origin and nature of the odor will be crucial to ensuring the health and safety of the community.