NEW BEDFORD — New Bedford Firefighters had a busy Thursday, responding to two separate hazardous-material incidents within a short period of time.
Ammonia Alarm at Fish Island Cold Storage Facility
At approximately 3:30 p.m. on September 3, 2026, New Bedford Fire companies responded to a cold storage facility on Fish Island for an alarm involving the facility’s ammonia system.
Responding companies included Ladder 1, Engine 1, Engine 6, Unit 2, Haz-Mat 1, and Inspection 3.
The area has seen multiple Tier 2 hazardous-material responses in recent weeks, adding to concerns surrounding repeated incidents at the location.
At approximately 3:40 p.m., Engine 1 reported an ammonia reading of 40 parts per million (ppm). Firefighters and Haz-Mat personnel remained on scene to investigate the alarm and assess conditions.
Second Haz-Mat Call Follows
Shortly afterward, firefighters were dispatched to Carroll Street for a report of an odor of natural gas, triggering a second Haz-Mat response.
Ladder 3, Engine 6, and Unit 1 responded to the Carroll Street incident.
With Engine 6 committed to the Haz-Mat response, Engine 7 was left covering Durfee Street, providing the next closest engine coverage for the South End and Downtown areas.
The back-to-back incidents kept New Bedford Fire Department crews busy throughout the afternoon and required multiple companies and specialized Haz-Mat resources.
