West Haven, CT - HAZMAT - 3/6/09

[SageVigiles 1,194]

Date: 3/6/09

Time: Approx 0645

Location: 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT (University of New Haven, Dodd's Hall/Henry C. Lee Forensics Lab)

Frequency: 453.800

Units Operating: Allingtown Car 4, Car 5, Car 6, Engine 2, Rescue 1, Tower 1, West Haven Center Rescue 27, Engine 24 (Standby at AFD), West Haven Car 20, West Shore Car 30, DEP HAZMAT, UNH Police Department

Weather Conditions: Normal

Description Of Incident: Unknown chemical reaction in a forensics laboratory.

Reporters:

Writer: SageVigiles

Initial assignment was a Box (R1, TL-1, E2) for unknown odor and possible spill. Engine 2 Portable arrived as command.

DEP Spill Response Team made entry, with a backup team from Allingtown Fire-Rescue to locate source.

Chemicals mixed for waste that were thought to be compatible by whomever mixed them weren't... Reaction occurred, rupturing the container and damaging 2 other containers.

Chemicals leaked onto the floor, etching the floor (I can already sense tuition going up for this.)

All units went 63 (in service) at approximately 1030 after entry team was clear and PAR was completed, Rescue 1 is 63 at the scene until callback crew arrives. Command handed over to DEP.

Private contractor supervised by DEP will be cleaning up, Allingtown hiring back 1 Captain and 3 Firefighters for standby with Engine 8.

Private contractor mitigated the problem and cleared the scene around 3PM, as did FD standby crew and DEP.

Edited March 7, 2009 by SageVigiles