Charlottetown fire fighters were called to Cody Banks Arena Tuesday where a report had come in of ammonia in the air.

Smell of ammonia causes evacuation of Cody Banks Arena

Nigel Armstrong

Published on July 07, 2015

 

 

• Print

Published on July 07, 2015

Charlottetown firefighters discuss the best way to deal with a report of an ammonia leak at the Cody Banks Arena.

Guian photo by Brian McInniCharlottetown Fire Department station 2 responds as kick boxers, roller-derby

enthusiasts told to exit

Charlottetown fire fighters were called to Cody Banks Arena Tuesday where a report had come in of ammonia in the air.

Ammonia is a gas used in the refrigeration system of rinks to make ice and keep it cool.

The unit was shut down for the summer, said Deputy Chief Tim Mayme, but there was a slight smell of ammonia when there should be none.

Firefighters controlled the area, got clients out of the building, including a kick boxing club and people practicing roller derby, then stood by to escort some refrigeration technicians into the arena.

"It was a maintenance issue," said Mayme. "(Ammonia) never reached alarm levels."

This is the second time recently that such an event has occurred.

A more serious ammonia leak in November 2013 caused an evacuation of Sherwood school next door.

At that time a leak in the ice-making system had to be contained by members of the provincial hazardous materials, or HAZMET, team.

Tuesday's event being less serious saw children playing on the school playground right next door and pedestrians  strolling on the sidewalks around the building.

The roller-derby enthusiasts and kick boxers, however, were not allowed to get their cars from the parking lot.

Firefighters were tasked with getting their keys and driving their vehicles to a meeting point by the school next door.