Connecticut Post, Bridgeport
(TNS)
Dec. 29—BRIDGEPORT — An explosion and major fire at an environmental services company on Cross Street Friday afternoon left three people injured and led authorities to evacuate the area or order residents to shelter-in-place, city officials said.
Bridgeport's Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting an explosion and fire in the area of Bishop Avenue, East Avenue and Cross Street around 2 p.m. Friday, said Scott Appleby, the city's director of emergency management.
Firefighters found a "large active fire" at the Tradebe Environmental Services facility, and a third alarm was struck, Appleby said. Police then began evacuating a two-block radius around the scene and alerting residents to shelter in place "to avoid smoke exposure," Appleby said.
Medics reported three people were injured during the incident, two of whom suffered smoke inhalation, and a third with burns, Appleby said. All three were taken to Bridgeport Hospital.
"We are cooperating and working closely with first responders and regulators," a Tradebe spokesperson said in a statement. "Our prayers are with the three people who were injured and they are currently being evaluated at a local hospital."
The facility is listed online as a recycling center.
Paul Copleman, a spokesperson for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said the explosion "resulted in a fire and possible releases to the environment."
"The fire has been successfully contained, and crews are working to understand the source of the explosion and to contain any environmental releases," Copleman said. "Air monitoring is currently underway, and there is no suspected danger to local residents at this time."
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, who arrived at the scene Friday afternoon, was seen wearing a cloth mask. Police and other first responders were also wearing masks or respirators.
In an update around 6 p.m., Appleby said the air quality had been determined to be safe.
"All residents and businesses are allowed back in without any restrictions." he said.
"The use of masks were issued due to the smoke exposure in the area," Appleby added.
Appleby said crews were able to quickly bring the fire under control. He said state and regional agencies were alerted to help with air quality, as well as run-off into storm drains.
Multiple roads remain closed in the area Friday afternoon.
State police had previously said the fire was located at 299 Bishop Ave., which is the location for Standard Oil. An official for Standard Oil said the fire was not on their property and occurred at the nearby Tradebe Environmental Services.
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