At approximately 4:21 a.m., the New Bedford Fire Department responded to an alarm notification reporting ammonia system alarms at 12 Fish Island, a waterfront cold-storage facility with numerous potential hazards.
Engine 1, Engine 6, Ladder 1, Unit 2, Hazmat 1, Inspector 2, and Chief 2 responded to the scene. Upon arrival, Unit 2 detected positive readings for ammonia and requested assistance from the Massachusetts State Hazmat Team, EMS, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Public Health, and the Providence Canteen.
The incident was quickly escalated to a Tier 2 active ammonia leak, prompting the evacuation of the facility. Three employees were inside the building at the time.
The Massachusetts State Hazmat Team made multiple entries into the facility to locate and secure the leak, working closely with New Bedford firefighters. Crews deployed a hose line and multiple fans to assist with decontamination and ventilation operations while maintaining a Rapid Intervention Team.
New Bedford firefighters also provided critical support by helping crews access challenging areas of the facility, including the roof and other difficult-to-reach locations.
No injuries were reported.
The incident demonstrated the importance of a coordinated response when hazardous materials threaten a complex industrial facility. The New Bedford Fire Department thanks all responding personnel and local, state, and environmental agencies for their professionalism, teamwork, and dedication in safely bringing the incident under control.
