Chemical Fire Doused in Virginia

Dec. 7, 2009
  Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue battled a two-alarm chemical fire at a warehouse on Dec. 6. Units were alerted to a structure fire and while enroute heavy smoke was visible miles away. The battalion chief reported a large chemical warehouse with heavy fire and smoke showing. A second alarm was requested brining five engines, three ladders, and one heavy rescue. Additional companies throughout the city were relocated to cover empty firehouses.

Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue battled a two-alarm chemical fire at a warehouse on Dec. 6.

Units were alerted to a structure fire and while enroute heavy smoke was visible miles away.

The battalion chief reported a large chemical warehouse with heavy fire and smoke showing.

A second alarm was requested brining five engines, three ladders, and one heavy rescue.

Additional companies throughout the city were relocated to cover empty firehouses.

Cres made a quick defensive attack on the fire limiting it to the central part of the warehouse and office area. Elevated streams, monitors and large diameter attack lines were used to prevent the fire from spreading into the large storage area.

Portsmouth Fire & Rescue’s Hazmat Team responded with the regional Hazmat officer to investigate the large number of chemicals stored on site.

All crews operating on scene remained in full breathing apparatus as a precaution throughout the fire attack.

It was later determined that the chemicals were stable and posed no significant hazard.

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