Alarms Detect Deadly Chemicals After Fire Breaks Out in Citizens Bank

Hundreds of Citizens Bank employees were evacuated from the Trips Lane operations center in East Providence after a fire broke out in the building's battery room late Wednesday afternoon.

Alarms detected toxic chemicals, including cyanide and hydrogen sulfide, after heat from the small fire reacted with battery acid, according to Fire Chief Joseph Klucznik.

"The amount of damage was minimal," said the chief. "The smoke and toxins were a concern. The fire was isolated, it never left the particular area."

Firefighters circulated fresh air through a large corridor of the building to make sure the environment was safe before leaving the scene at approximately 8 p.m.

No injuries were reported, he said. The cause is still unknown.

Check back in with East Providence Patch for updates on the cause of the fire.