Falmouth Ice Arena Evacuated After Ammonia Leak

FALMOUTH, MA — The Falmouth Ice Arena was evacuated on Friday after a refrigeration malfunction caused an ammonia leak, triggering a Hazmat Team response.

Around 11:30 a.m., the Falmouth Fire Rescue Department responded to the Falmouth Ice Arena for a report of an ammonia leak. Units confirmed a "strong odor" of ammonia upon arriving and evacuated the building.

"A Tier 2 State Hazmat response was requested, bringing members of the (District 1) MA State Hazmat Team to the scene," officials said. "The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services State Hazmat Team, in conjunction with refrigeration personnel for the building, determined that a ruptured coolant line caused the system to over-pressurize, contributing to the ammonia leak."

Officials were able to ventilate the building, and no injuries or illnesses were reported.

The arena was closed all day on Friday, canceling some youth practices and skating time, arena officials said.