Hazmat Unit Dispatched to Butler By Nila Harris
At 11:44 am on September 10 th , fire crews were dispatched to the city of Butler because of a report of an individual with third degree chemical burns. While on site near a dumpster behind Williams Place Apartments at 210 Matilda Street, a multi-meter gas detection system showed a composite reading of Sulphur. At that time, there was no threat to the public determined. A further investigation inside the apartment building showed a hydrogen cyanide reading in the air.
A Hazmat team dispatched from Hebron determined that the residents of Williams Place should be evacuated to the Butler Community Center as a precautionary measure. No other city residents needed to be evacuated. The team will determine if any other measures need to be taken to remedy the problem.
Prolonged exposure could result in nausea and respiratory issues. No reports of these problems have been reported, according to Butler Mayor Mason Taylor, and there is no immediate threat to the public. The mayor has been in constant communication with the units during this event.