At 11:32AM Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to reports of a chemical leak at 201 NE 2nd Ave. When crews arrived they were told that the chemical was leaking in aresol form. This complicated the incident due to the need to protect surrounding residents and businesses from the aerosolized product being dispersed by changing wind conditions. The entire business, known as Pacfic Coast Fruit, was evacuated and surrounding businesses were asked to "shelter in place" or remain inside their buildings. The incident commander sent in an initial recon group suited in fully contained breathing apparatus to assess the situation. PF&R Haz-Mat technicians were actively researching information on the product while responding to the scene and decided to remove the initial entry crews due to concerns that the product could be dangerous on the skin and in the lungs.
Once the Haz-Mat technicians were able to enter the building and contain the spill, the focus of the operation shifted to the safe removal of the product. Crews are still on scene at the time of this release and investigators are collecting information about the cause of the accident.

Contact Info:
Lt. Rich Chatman PIO, Media Pgr. 503-940-6003