4 hospitalized after airborne chemical release in Burnaby's Big Bend neighbourhood
Fire crews say more than 80 people were temporarily evacuated after bromine gas was detected Thursday night
Four people were taken to hospital and dozens more were temporarily evacuated after a chemical gas release in Burnaby's Big Bend neighbourhood Thursday night.
In a statement Friday, the Burnaby Fire Department said crews responded to reports of a chemical odour in the 8000-block of Wiggins Street just before 11 p.m. Using portable air monitors, firefighters say they detected the presence of bromine gas and traced it to a building in the neighbourhood.
The building is an industrial warehouse that uses bromine as part of its operations, according to the City of Burnaby.
Bromine is a naturally occurring element that is liquid at room temperature. Exposure to bromine can cause coughing, difficulty breathing and irritation of the eyes and respiratory system.
The fire department says four workers at an adjacent business reported symptoms of inhalation exposure, including nose, throat and lung irritation. They were treated on site with oxygen therapy before being transported to hospital.
B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) confirmed four ambulances, an advanced care paramedic team and a supervisor were dispatched to the scene.
All four patients were taken to hospital in stable condition, spokesperson Brian Twaites said in a statement.
As a precaution, fire crews evacuated more than 80 people from nearby buildings while monitoring the chemical plume and ventilating the affected structures. Roads in the area were closed and safety zones were established until it was deemed safe for people to return.
Officials say there is no ongoing risk of exposure or further chemical release.
The fire department says WorkSafeBC attended the scene and has launched an investigation into the incident.
With files from Michelle Gomez