Hazmat crews respond to a chemical spill in west Phoenix

PHOENIX — A chemical spill early Monday morning in west Phoenix prompted multiple responses from hazmat crews, authorities said.

Hazmat crews were dispatched to a commercial food warehouse, located at 4650 W. Buckeye Road, around 3:00 a.m. for reports of a chemical spill, according to the Phoenix Fire Department.

An employee was reportedly moving around product and punctured a 55 gallon drum of acid.

The leaking acid was contained in a collection basin and the warehouse evacuated.

According to Phoenix Fire, one person was treated for a possible inhalation injury but didn’t need to be taken to the hospital.

Hazmat crews then entered the warehouse, confirmed that the spill was contained and not a hazard before turning the scene over to a contracted clean-up crew.

Why did hazmat crews have to return to the warehouse?

A first-alarm hazmat crew had to go back to the warehouse after a possible second reaction due to the acid mixing with residual chemicals in the containment basin.

Before any crews were allowed to go back in the Phoenix Fire drone team scouted the inside of the warehouse.

Once cleared, hazmat crews entered for a second time and discovered the spill was still contained and not reacting.

They metered inside and outside of the warehouse and found neither to be hazardous.

No firefighters were injured and crews went through decontamination as a safety precaution.

A Phoenix Fire Prevention Unit remained on scene to assist the contracted clean-up crew.

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