Chemical Leak Prompts Haz Mat Team Response

At 1822 hrs. The Milford Fire Department received a call from the Department of Environmental Protection Haz Mat Response reporting that a drum was leaking in the back of a tractor trailer truck and he was requesting the Fire Department to respond.  Engine 5, Engine 1 and the shift commander responded to assess the situation.  The drum contained Naptha resin and was located behind several other drums.

A Haz Mat response was initiated bringing Haz Mat 1, Engine 4, Tower 1 and Rescue 1 to the scene.  The area was isolated and some nearby tractor trailer drivers where asked to relocate their vehicles.  Working with DEP and a cleanup contractor, Hazardous Materials Technicians from the Milford Fire Department worked to remove the drums so they could access the damaged one.  Once this drum was found it was placed into a plastic over-pack drum to contain any additional leaks.

The major concern from this product was its flammability hazard.  Haz Mat technicians used chemical detection devices to make sure they were not in a flammable atmosphere.  As a precaution, firefighters deployed two foam lines and 2 master streams in case there was an ignition.  There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.  All fire department personnel had cleared the scene by 2230 hrs.