The Livingston Fire Department responded to a chemical leak that sent one resident and two firemen to the hospital for treatment last week, according to officials.
At approximately noon onWednesday, October 30, the Livingston Fire Department was dispatched to 88 Irving Avenue on a report of a relative that was attempting to get into the residence but was driven back by a strange smell; theman’s father-in-law was in the basement and they were unable to get to him.
Fire Chief Chris Mullin responded within two minutes of the initial call, and immediately rushed into the home to investigate the incident and attempt to locate the resident.
Chief Mullin got to the top of the basement stairs in the kitchen, where he could hear coughing and groaning coming from the basement. At that point, realizing the severity of the incident involving some type of chemical exposure, he retreated to his vehicle to retrieve his SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) as he knew an attempted rescue would not be possible without it.
As Engine Co.l was arriving on the scene, the Fire Chief radioed the crew and advised them of the incident and to have everyone on SCBA air. Chief Mullin rushed back into the residence and down the staircase to find the elderly male resident lying on the ground coughing and groaning in a partially conscious state. Realizing he was alone and time was of the essence, Chief Mullin grabbed the victim from behind under his arms, proceeded up the staircase, and was met at the top of the staircase by Deputy Chief Josh Lewis.
Both Chief Mullin and Deputy Lewis quickly escorted the homeowner out of the residence and handed him off to Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Francione and awaiting firefighters. The firefighters immediately tended to the resident with oxygen until EMS arrived and provided patient treatment. Both Chief Mullin and Deputy Chief Lewis were treated on the scene and subsequently transported to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center by EMS units for further treatment, as was the homeowner. Both firefighters were released from the hospital later that same day.
Asst. Chief Francione assumed command and had the residence vented using fans and opening windows and doors throughout the home. During a search of the residence, a cat was located and turned over to Livingston Animal Control, who had the cat checked out at the animal hospital. The cat was released into the custody of a family member after being cleared.
Nutley Hazmat was originally requested to respond to this incident, but canceled after firefighters were able to safely enter the basement and determine the cause of the chemical exposure.
The cause of this incident was due to the homeowner using a chisel and hammer to break apart the ice build-up in the circa-1940 refrigerator/ freezer. He inadvertently struck the coolant line, causing a leak of anhydrous ammonia throughout the residence.
The fire department cleared the scene at approximately 2:45 p.m.
