REVscene Automotive Forum - Port Metro Vancouver Chemical Fire

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Chemical fire at Port Metro Vancouver prompts evacuation, health warning | CTV Vancouver News

Quote:

Health officials say the chemical burning at a large shipping container fire at the Port of Metro Vancouver is a respiratory irritant that can be dangerous to breathe in large quantities.

Vancouver Coastal Health says a container that went up in flames Wednesday contains an industrial disinfectant and bleaching agent called trichloroisocyanuric acid, exposure to which can be similar to breathing in bleach. The compound is often used in water treatment and swimming pools.

Some people in the area reported symptoms of burning throat and eyes, but Coastal Health says the chemical's effects are short-term and should dissipate when the smoke clears.
leads to fire evacuation at Port Metro
Crews battle a shipping container fire at the Port of Metro Vancouver, Wed., March 4, 2015. (CTV's Chopper 9)
port fire

Some East Vancouver residents were told to stay inside their homes and close their windows after the fire broke out.
"Everyone east of Main and north of 1st Ave - close your windows, stay inside and shelter in place," Vancouver police tweeted approximately an hour after flames erupted at the site. Police later tweeted that the warning encompasses residents as far east as Burnaby.

Part of the Port was evacuated after the blaze broke out Wednesday afternoon, and billowing clouds of smoke could be seen emerging from a container in the Centerm terminal.

The fire was eventually upgraded to a four-alarm and officials reported that up to three containers were possibly aflame.
Two Vancouver Fire Rescue boats have since been dispatched to the north end of Centennial Pier to set up a staging area. Two aerials have also been dispatched to dump water on the fire.

Port Metro Vancouver has evacuated the 700-block of Centennial Road as well as the Clark Dr. overpass and said it was shutting down all operations on the South shore. CPR Rail was also asked to shut down a rail line while crews dealt with the blaze.
At least one West Coast Express departure was cancelled after authorities closed the rail tracks around the port, and TransLink told riders to find alternative transit to get home. Further delays and cancellations were expected.