environmental cause

[Guest guest]

Thought some of you might be interested in this. It is an article

about the chemical fire that my wife was exposed to while pregnant.

Laboratory blast results in evacuation

By Jacqui

Alligator Writer

While many people were watching the presidential debates and the

baseball game Wednesday night, an advisory notice interrupted the

programs, informing viewers about a chemical explosion and fire in

northwest Gainesville.

An explosion and fire at Farchan Laboratories Inc., 2603 NW 74th

Place, called for an immediate evacuation of the businesses in the

industrial park where the laboratory is located.

A public service announcement notified Northwood community residents

to stay indoors, be prepared to evacuate, turn off air conditioners,

bring pets inside and close windows and doors, but the notice was

called off around 11 p.m.

Firefighters received the call at 8:12 p.m. from people working

across the street, and 10 fire engines arrived on the scene.

Fire and smoke poured from the building as firefighters and

hazardous materials workers meticulously worked to contain the fire

in the building.

" They want to make sure the chemicals are treated properly, "

Gainesville Fire Rescue spokesman Stuart Schwartz said. " Hazardous

materials and firefighters are not rushing in extinguishing this. "

Farchan has had chemical fires in the past, and investigation is

continuing about Wednesday's fire.

Although the cause is unknown, Schwartz said organic chemicals were

involved.

" We don't know if there is anything toxic in the smoke, " Schwartz

said. " That's why we have the sheltering in place. "

State Road 441 was blocked for more than two hours from Northwest

53rd Avenue to Northwest 43rd Street.

Two employees sustained minor injuries and were taken to Shands at

the University of Florida.