PORTLAND FIRE & RESCUE RESPONDS TO HAZMAT CALL AT SW PORTLAND YWCA
Posted: August 15th, 2011 11:32 PM
At 9:18 pm Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a report of a chemical spill at the YWCA swimming pool located at 111 SW 10th Avenue. A worker at the pool reportedly mixed a gallon of chlorine with six gallons of muriatic acid in error, which produced clorine gas. Both chemicals are used in the maintenance of the pool. A total of five people were affected by the fumes and one person was transported to OHSU for evaluation.
Portland Fire & Rescue's specially trained HazMat firefighters from SE Portland Fire Station 7 are on scene neutralizing the chemical reaction and plans are underway to ventialate the building throughout the night. SW 10th has been closed down for two blocks around the area of the spill. A total of five people were in the building at the time of the reaction and all of them reported experiencing eye irritation.
"Mixing chemials such as these can be toxic and potentially deadly if incorrectly mixed," said Portland Fire Public Information Officer Paul Corah. "Fortunately, there were only minor injuries during tonight's incident."
There is a homeless shelter on the upper floor of the building and building management is finding placement for all residents tonight. The Portland Streetcar was closed for two hours on SW 10th Avenue during this incident but is now open to commuters.
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