In the early morning hours of November 30th, Squrt 31 and Ladder 44 were dispatched for an activated fire alarm at 1951 Old Cuthbert Road, a laboratory complex that plates computer chips with precious metals utilizing various chemicals. Squrt Company 1331 B arrived under the command of Lt. Art West with an audible and visual fire alarm activation. The building was secured with no access, so an emergency contact was summoned to respond. A 360 degree observation of the building revealed nothing showing.
On arrival of the emergency contact, Squrt Co. 31 accessed the building to investigate the activation. During the investigation, access was made to the laboratory area where, upon opening the lab door, companies were met with a fumes cloud that caused immediate eye irritation and coughing, resulting in the immediate retreat of the firefighters to the exterior. Lt. West summoned additional companies to the scene including Battalion Chief M. Iannetta, Ladder Co. 44 and Haz-Mat 13 under the command of Lt. W. Arcari.
Utilities were terminated to the building. Fire Department personel utilized the MSDS Manuals and conducted phone interviews with the occupants chemical technicians to identify the potential chemicals involved and their possible hazards. Squrt 31 established a water supply and lines were connected to the fire department connection. Haz-Mat personel made entry into the building finding a hot plate had been left on with a beaker on top containing T-400 Filmstripper. Haz-Mat removed the beaker and it's contents into a secondary container and removed it from the building. Building management took reponsibility for disposal of the product.
No Fire Department personnel were injured during the incident, however this is a stark reminder that what may seem like an "average" call can quickly become a hazardous event for firefighters. It is important for firefighters to never become complacent during the "bread and butter" calls and to remain calm and summon the necessary back-up resources when faced with any "surprises" that may arise during investigations.
