A semitrailer carrying 40,000 pounds of Frank’s RedHot recently leaked onto Interstate 71 in Delaware County, creating an unusual environmental cleanup challenge.

Fire crews avoided washing the sauce from the highway over concerns it could enter nearby waterways. Instead, responders used containment pools and hazmat materials to keep it out of storm drains while a cleanup crew was arranged.

“Containment, stormwater protection and proper cleanup are all essential,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “After that, the only remaining question is whether the remediation plan includes ranch or blue cheese.” 7/6/2026