BOSTON (WHDH) - A massive cleanup operation was underway Friday after a fire suppression system went off at a gas station in Allston, leaving a coating of white powder across the station’s parking lot and gas pumps.
The Shell gas station sits on the corner of North Harvard and Cambridge Streets. There was a large dump truck parked at one of the gas pumps along with several cars when the system went off.
Fire suppression systems like the one used at the Allston Shell station use a baking soda-based compound and are typically triggered by heat. As of Friday night, though, officials were still investigating to find out why this system went off.
Crews said an ambulance was at the scene to address the side effects of sneezing and coughing from the suppressant, but no injuries were reported. Boston Fire Department Acting Chief Matthew Kenneally said the substance is nontoxic, but a Boston hazmat team was called while they waited for a hazardous waste clean-up crew.
“The rapid rate and the amount that was discharged, any one who was in the immediate area may have had some adverse health effects, mainly just coughing and sneezing but Boston EMS was on scene early and no one was transported,” Kenneally said.
Speaking with 7NEWS on Friday, people who live in the area shared their reactions.
“I’ve never seen anything like that before,” said neighbor Grace Duffey.
“It looks like snow,” said neighbor Carson Arthur.
Arthur continued, saying the situation was about as unwelcome as an unexpected snowstorm.
“For people like me who have asthma, this isn’t ideal,” Arthur said. “…It’s a big mess and it’s rough for the people around here.”
The gas station needs a working suppression system to safely reopen, meaning the station will need to get its system charged up and reinspected.
Kenneally said the process may delay the station’s reopening until Monday.
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