LAFD Haz Mat Investigates Port of Los Angeles Fumigation Operation

TERMINAL ISLAND - On Tuesday, February 05, 2013 at 11:43 AM, firefighters responded to 155 Cannery Street to investigate a fire in an outside storage area where imported goods are fumigated.

Upon arrival firefighters found a small amount of white smoke coming from a 55 gallon drum being used to neutralize pesticide products. A Los Angeles Port Police Officer, exposed to the smoke was transported in good condition to an area hospital for further evaluation.

LAFD Hazmat experts assembled an entry team to perform a rapid assessment during which, a small amount of fire was controlled using a dry chemical fire extinguisher. The product was contained within the drum and LAFD Haz Mat identified it as Aluminum Phosphide.

38 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Graham Everett worked seamlessly with L.A. County Fire Department Health Hazardous Materials Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Los Angeles Port Police.

Pursuant of protocol, the Health Hazardous Materials Division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department will handle the investigation to conclusion.

We are glad to report this incident had no impact on operations in the Port of Los Angeles and shipping continued as normal.

Dispatched Units: E40 E248 T48 E38 E48 SQ48 RA848 RA101 EM13 BC11 E36 BC6 JT4 RA64

Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

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