BOSTON (WHDH) - Eleven firefighters and one resident were hospitalized after a Level 3 hazmat situation prompted the evacuation of a five-story rooming house in Boston’s South End on Friday, officials said.
Firefighters responding to 1740 Washington Street around 12:15 p.m. on Friday ordered all residents out the building due to noxious fumes on the third floor, according to the Boston Fire Department.
An investigation determined that the fumes were coming from a mixture of cleaning supplies, Deputy Fire Chief Robert Calobrisi later told reporters.
“It was determined that it was a combination of bleach and Murphy’s Oil Soap, which makes sodium hypochlorite gas, chlorine gas,” he said.
Everyone who was transported from the scene underwent precautionary treatment.
“All were very minor,” Calobrisi said of the injuries. “Mostly just evaluations, obviously, with the potential exposure and the heat today.”
The building has since been ventilated.
Calobrisi says there were “zero readings” on meters being used by firefighters following the evacuation.
Residents have been allowed back inside.
Boston fire just updated media about hazmat situation on Washington st. We now know 11 firefighters were transported to the hospital and 1 resident. @7News pic.twitter.com/DfIlvP9MkP
— John Cuoco (@JCuocoNews) July 19, 2019
Deputy Chief Robert Calobrisi briefs the media on the level 3 Hazmat at 1740 Washington St. The cause of the odor was from a mixture of cleaning supplies. The building was ventilated and there were zero readings on the meters. pic.twitter.com/gxUmIP92jC
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) July 19, 2019
At approximately 12:15 a level 3 Hazmat response for 1740 Washington st the South End. Report of noxious fumes on the 3 rd floor of a five story rooming house , all occupants are being evacuated. pic.twitter.com/mOg8oOVnKv
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) July 19, 2019
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