Fire Department Responding To Minor Hazmat Incident

A release from the Wakefield Fire Department:

WAKEFIELD - Chief Michael Sullivan reported in a release sent out at 4:39 p.m. that the Wakefield Fire Department is responding to a low-tier hazardous materials incident in town.

A state hazmat team has been dispatched to 19 Fairmount Ave. to respond to Tier 1 activation, following a report by a resident that he dropped a mercury thermometer in his home.

Upon assembly of the team, two of the five team members will don hazmat suits and enter the home, where they will conduct air sampling tests and test the contents of the bag where the thermometer was disposed. The team will then further isolate the substance and prepare it for proper disposal.

Following an initial investigation, Wakefield Fire determined that the resident double-bagged the damaged thermometer and has since obtained medical attention for an unrelated matter. The homeowner reported to firefighters that he did not suffer mercury contamination as a result of the spill, but may obtain further tests as a precaution.

"Though it may seem small, this resident did the right thing by calling and reporting this incident," Chief Sullivan said. "I'm confident that the hazmat team will thoroughly examine the man's home to ensure it is safe."