COLUMBIA, SC (AP) -- Fifteen firefighters were sent to the hospital with respiratory problems after inhaling chlorine gas while trying to put out a blaze at a suburban home here.
Columbia Fire Department Chief Bradley Anderson said five firefighters returned to duty and 10 were sent home after the house fire took an unusual turn Saturday when they discovered a smoldering container of granulated chlorine used in swimming pools.
The firefighters had the flames under control and most had their protective masks off. But when someone opened a door to the back yard, the gas cloud spewed into the house.
"We went from an offensive fire attack to a defensive (hazardous-materials) response immediately," said Battalion Chief Scott Fulkerson.
Capt. Karsene Lloyd picked up the container and tossed it into the backyard pool.
"He risked his life to save those other guys," Fulkerson said.
The firefighters left the house and those who complained of respiratory problems were taken to hospitals.
The incident comes about a month a chlorine spill in Graniteville killed nine people, injured 250 more and forced 5,400 residents to be evacuated.
Residents in this Columbia suburb were concerned about their safety but fire officials said the gas cloud was small and dissipated quickly.
But officials said the incident shows why residents should store pesticides, pool supplies and other caustic agents away from their house.
"That's why we ask people to store those things in storage sheds," said Assistant Chief Joe Floyd.
The blaze did an estimated $180,000 damage, Floyd said. The cause is under investigation.
