Hazmat team members from the West Hartford Fire Department and the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection coordinated the response to a hazardous materials incident at a private residence.

By Ronni Newton

A crew from the West Hartford Fire Department assisted the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) on Monday morning in safely resolving an incident after a homeowner discovered a leaking container of a hazardous substance inside their Lawler Drive residence.

According to Deputy Chief Russell Duffy, DEEP was already on the scene and requested assistance from the West Hartford Fire Department at 10:30 a.m. on Monday. Ladder 4, under the leadership of Lt. Bob Howe, arrived on the scene at 10:33 a.m.

The homeowner had discovered that a container of hydrochloric acid that was stored in the basement was leaking. “Hazmat technicians from the West Hartford Fire Department worked in coordination with DEEP’s Hazmat team to safely enter the residence and perform air monitoring throughout the home,” Duffy said in an email.

Duffy said the homeowner hired an environmental clean-up contractor to perform remediation of the leak, and it was declared “successfully mitigated” by noon.

There were no injuries to firefighters or other personnel who responded to the scene, and according to Duffy all occupants of the home were also evaluated and had no medical concerns resulting from the incident.

In addition to Ladder 4, the West Hartford Fire Department’s Truck 3, Squad 1, Medic 21, Car 4, Car 1, and Fire Marshal 2 responded to the scene, and American Medical Response (AMR) and the West Hartford Police Department also provided support on site.

The West Hartford Fire Department issued a reminder to all residents to have working smoke alarms, and additionally “to safely store and properly dispose of old or unused household chemicals. Improper storage can lead to hazardous conditions and potential health risks. For disposal guidance, residents are encouraged to contact DEEP or a licensed hazardous waste disposal contractor.”

Anyone who needs additional information about risk mitigation can contact the West Hartford Fire Department at 860-561-8300.

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