AUGUST 12, 2015
SPOKANE, Wash. -
Update: The Spokane Fire Department is releasing the four block restriction around the Pacific Steel and Recycling Building located at 11114 N. Ralph Wednesday evening. The Pacific Steel building itself will still be closed to non-emergency personnel until the Department of Ecology personnel have had time to evaluate the scene.
Fire officials are confident that the gas released was chlorine and not arsenic trichloride as previously reported. Chlorine dissipates quickly and fire personnel monitoring air quality in the area have found no residual chlorine particulates.
Previous coverage:
Emergency responders from several agencies were called to Pacific Steel Wednesday morning for a haz-mat investigation.
Spokane Police say workers were handling a barrel Wednesday morning and it was punctured, releasing a large plume of yellow vapor. Right workers at the plant were immediately affected by the unknown chemical. The plume was carried by winds and settled on a City owned facility a few blocks away. 17 City workers outside were affected.
Effects of the chemical ranged from minor respiratory issues to severe respiratory issues. Spokane Police spokesperson Teresa Fuller said in a press release issued Wednesday afternoon the chemical was believed to be Arsenic Trichloride.
At a press conference later in the day, Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer confirmed the gas was not arsenic trichloride. After additional investigation, the chemical was found to be chlorine gas that came from a 1-ton container under pressure.
During a press conference Wednesday afternoon, officials said although several people have been medically cleared, eight people are still in critical condition, according to Mayor David Condon. Schaeffer said their symptoms are expected to be temporary.
Haz-mat crews are on scene investigating. KHQ's Katie Chen says she saw people getting hosed down by responding personnel.
If you are in the area and believe you are experiencing symptoms related to this spill, you are asked to seek evaluation by a doctor.
Spokane Police have the area blocked off and are asking people to stay away. As of 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, evacuations are still in place for those businesses contacted directly by emergency personnel. Children from the Planet Kids Childcare Center were evacuated and parents picked up their children early as a precaution.
Multiple agencies responded Wednesday, including a crew from Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane Fire, Spokane Police, AMR, Spokane County Fire District #8, Spokane County Fire District #4, Kootenai County, and Spokane Valley Fire.