Odd Smell Prompts Hazmat, Was Just Pepper Spray: Franklin Fire

FRANKLIN, WI — The Franklin Fire Department was called out Monday to 6300 S. 35th Street in Franklin about a sudden irritating odor in an apartment. A hazmat team was eventually called in, and the culprit turned out to be a pepper spray canister, according to the department.

When firefighters arrived they were met with throat discomfort and the irritating odor, but there was no evidence of carbon monoxide or flammable substances. Milwaukee Fire Department Engine 33, the regional hazmat response team, responded as well, a newsletter from the department said.

Testing equipment located the source of the smell to a coat pocket where a pepper spray canister was accidentally discharged. The apartment was aired out.

Assistant Chief James Mayer told Patch the pepper spray incident de-escalated very quickly and that it posed no harm to the public.

Franklin firefighters were also called out on Wednesday to an industrial fire on 5800 Franklin Drive.

Upon arrival, firefighters saw smoke and flames were coming from the roof of the building. One of the building's staff members told firefighters the fire was in a rooftop ventilation unit, the newsletter said.

Firefighters climbed on the roof and began fighting the fire with portable extinguishers. Water was brought into the fire as well. Firefighters from Greendale, Greenfield, Milwaukee and Oak Creek also assisted in the fire, the release said.

One patient was evaluated by paramedics and released on scene. The fire was sparked by welding, but it was contained to the ventilation system, the release said.