Great Barrington Fire Department Responds to Chemical Spill at High School

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Great Barrington Fire Department responded toa chemical spill at Monument Mountain Regional High School on Thursday. 

 

Just after 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23, the department responded to the 600 Stockbridge Road school after the spill was reported in one of the science labs.

 

Upon arrival, firefighters learned that approximately two liters of ammonium hydroxide, a solution that in high concentrations can aggravate the nose, throat and respiratory tract, was knocked over by a teacher who was working in the lab, said Chief Charles Burger.

 

The state Hazardous Materials Emergency Response team was called for assistance, and crews worked together to neutralize the solution and ventilate the building. Atmospheric and surface testing came back safe, and occupants were allowed to reenter the building. An environmental cleanup company will finish the remediation prior to the start of school next week.

 

At the time of the spill, only few people were in the building and were immediately evacuated. The teacher was exposed to the chemical solution. She was evaluated on scene by Southern Berkshire Ambulance and declined further medical treatment.

 

"Thankfully this was a very minor incident," Burger said. "We want to assure students, parents, faculty and community members that there is no health threat and the building is safe to occupy."