Mobile Fire-Rescue Lifts Shelter Order After Hazmat Fire

The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department successfully lifted a shelter in place order that had been issued following a hazardous materials fire on Saturday. The fire occurred at a location on 5327 Halls Mill Road, prompting authorities to advise residents within a two-mile radius, affecting areas such as Tillman’s Corner, Cypress Shores, Crestview, and Rivière du Chien, to remain indoors.
The fire involved chlorine chemicals, leading the MFRD’s Hazmat 15 team to neutralize the threat using sodium bicarbonate. This measure was taken after chlorine was released into the air due to the fire. The department monitored air quality levels closely around the incident site and has confirmed that the levels have now returned to safe limits.
The aftermath of the fire will require ongoing cleanup efforts, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The incident saw the department responding early in the morning to a report of a commercial building fire where multiple vehicles were ablaze behind a warehouse, and power lines were downed in the vicinity.
During the firefighting efforts, it was discovered that palettes of pool chlorine material at the scene were reacting with water, prompting the dispatch of the Hazmat 15 team. Additionally, Mobile Police officers have been managing traffic disruptions caused by the fire and a separate incident involving a semi-truck carrying chlorine on westbound Interstate 10 between Highway 90 and Theodore Dawes. Authorities have asked drivers to avoid both areas while the cleanup and investigation continue.