10 first responders hospitalized for exposure to chemicals in a pool supply ware house fire.
A large three-alarm fire broke out at a pool supply warehouse in Frisco on Wednesday morning, leading to minor injuries for three firefighters and seven police officers who were exposed to chloride and hypochloride.
The fire, which likely started due to a chemical reaction on a pallet outside the building, spread to a truck and into the warehouse. Thanks to the building’s sprinkler system, interior damage was limited. The fire produced a large plume of smoke, and a shelter-in-place order was issued due to the burning chemicals, but it was lifted once the fire was controlled by 9:30 a.m.
All 10 first responders were hospitalized for chemical exposure symptoms, including respiratory and skin irritation. They were stable and under observation.
Dr. Benjamin Brown of Medical City Plano treated some responders, emphasizing the importance of monitoring for delayed reactions to chemical exposure. All 10 are expected to recover fully.
The fire involved pool salt, chlorine tablets, and hypochlorite, with two of these being hazardous materials.
Air quality monitoring showed no hazardous readings, and the air was deemed safe, as reported by NBCDFW.com on September 25, 2024.
According to Kelly Kistner, the Frisco Fire Department’s fire marshal and public information officer, initial findings suggest that the fire likely began due to a chemical reaction on a pallet of materials located outside the building. The fire then spread to a nearby truck and subsequently to the warehouse.
“A company employee noticed a vapor,” Kistner said. “A fire and explosion followed. A nearby truck and the company’s building caught fire. But it’s important to note, damage to the interior is limited thanks to the building’s sprinkler system.”
