Chemical reaction injures five
Five people were injured when chlorine and antifreeze were inadvertently mixed, creating a chemical reaction that started a small fire in a workshop and warehouse.
The single-story structure, which measured 50 by 100 feet (15.2 by 30.5 meters), was constructed of unprotected metal, with a wood floor and metal wall panels. A few dry chemical fire extinguishers were located in the building. There were no sprinklers or detectors.
At approximately 12:40 p.m., an employee was scooping chlorine from its container into a 1-gallon (3.8-liter) bucket that had previously held antifreeze when the chlorine reacted with residual antifreeze, causing a fire. Employees used two 2 1/2-pound (1.1-kilogram) dry chemical fire extinguishers to knock down the fire, but each time, the reaction reignited the blaze. As the fire continued to grow, an employee called the fire department, five minutes after the initial reaction.
While waiting for the fire department, the workers used a 10-pound (4.5-kilogram) extinguisher and another 2 1/2-pound (1.1-kilogram) extinguisher on the blaze, with limited success. They also retrieved a sewer jet machine containing 1,000 gallons (3,285 liters) of water and sprayed the container with it, limiting the fire somewhat.
Firefighters wearing self-contained breathing apparatus entered the building, removed the container, and set up a positivepressure fan to displace the fumes.
Five employees who fought the blaze were treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation and eye irritation, and released. Damage was less than $100.