Monday, July 13, 2015

A leak in the refrigerating system forces evacuation at Costco in Richland, Washington



Costco evacuated for hazmat leak
 

Costco evacuated for hazmat leak

 
RICHLAND, Wash. --
 
Dozens of shoppers were forced to put down their groceries and leave Costco this afternoon. Firefighters say a hazardous material was leaking into the air.

A leak in the refrigerating system made the air in the store foggy.
Firefighters worked to fix the leak and make sure the air was safe to breathe.

Hundreds waited outside the store while firefighters worked with employees to secure the area.

"We've been working to isolate and protect the area and we've made contact with some refrigeration companies to help control the leak," said Captain Troy Stratford.

Firefighters say they'll turn the store back over to Costco employees as soon as they're sure it's safe.