FOND DU LAC (NBC 26) — A malfunction in a pool mechanical room at a Fond du Lac apartment complex resulted in two chemicals mixing, creating a small chemical gas release.
In a statement from Fond du Lac Fire / Rescue, crews were dispatched to 836 Security Drive, Countryside Village Apartments at 1:19 p.m. for the report of two pool chemicals that mixed creating a small chemical reaction and chemical gas release.
Crews were directed to the pool mechanical room where a small amount of sulfuric acid and chlorine liquid was mixed on the floor.
A contractor was on-site working within the complex's pool area and mechanical room when the chemical liquid pumps inadvertently operated, causing both chemicals to be released from the plumbing system onto the floor.
Representatives of the apartment complex working in an adjacent building were alerted to the chemical release with a strong smell of chlorine gas. The apartment representatives and pool contractor were able to safely evacuate the area and no injuries or illnesses were reported.
The contractor was able to disconnect power to the chemical pumps and started the process of diluting the chemical mixture prior to the arrival of Fire / Rescue.
Fire crews created a small perimeter around the pool area, apartment office building and apartment mechanical shop to ensure safety while the chemical mixture continued to be diluted with water from a nearby water outlet.
Residents of the apartment complex were not required to evacuate. Fire / Rescue personnel remained on scene for 75 minutes to ensure that the office building was properly ventilated and safe for employees.
