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inanna

(3,547 posts)
Wed Mar 4, 2015, 09:17 PM Mar 2015

Chemical fire at Vancouver's port prompts evacuation, health warnings

Source: The Canadian Press

Last Updated Wednesday, March 4, 2015 7:54PM EST

VANCOUVER -- A chemical fire at a Vancouver container terminal led to a partial evacuation of Canada's largest port Wednesday afternoon, as a cloud of white smoke drifting over the city prompted health warnings and road closures.

At least nine fire trucks, three dozen firefighters and officers and their battalion commanders were battling the flames at three stacked containers, said Capt. Carol Messenger of Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services.

Firefighters trained to deal with hazardous materials were also on the scene, while two fire boats and their crews were standing by in the harbour, said Messenger.

<snip>

The city's health authority confirmed the fire involved a substance called trichloroisocyanuric acid, which can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities and can cause eye irritation.

Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/chemical-fire-at-vancouver-s-port-prompts-evacuation-health-warnings-1.2264349

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Chemical fire at Vancouver's port prompts evacuation, health warnings (Original Post) inanna Mar 2015 OP
Does not compute. DeSwiss Mar 2015 #1
what does not compute? KT2000 Mar 2015 #3
From cbc: u4ic Mar 2015 #4
Ah! - TY n/t DeSwiss Mar 2015 #5
I have no clue what trichloroisocyanuric acid is tularetom Mar 2015 #2
 

DeSwiss

(27,137 posts)
1. Does not compute.
Wed Mar 4, 2015, 09:26 PM
Mar 2015
- Trichloroisocyanuric acid is an organic compound used in waste water treatment, swimming pools and preventing sweaters from shrinking. It is has a low combustible point.

KT2000

(20,544 posts)
3. what does not compute?
Wed Mar 4, 2015, 10:19 PM
Mar 2015

from Wiki: Trichloroisocyanuric acid was identified as the substance burning in a significant chemical fire in the Port of Metro Vancouver on March 4, 2015[3]. The chemical was also implicated in a 2010 fire in Vancouver's Electra building. Persons in the area were warned that the chemical could lead to acute respiratory distress. Persons in the immediate area were advised to remain indoors, shut off all ventilation systems, and close their windows. Persons absolutely requiring to go outside were advised to seal their mouth and nose with a wet cloth.

u4ic

(17,101 posts)
4. From cbc:
Wed Mar 4, 2015, 11:19 PM
Mar 2015

Vancouver fire Chief Dan Wood said the chemical is an oxidizer, which means it produces oxygen and adds to the fire.

"In this situation it was either contaminated or disrupted, so it heated up and caught fire," Wood said.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/port-metro-vancouver-chemical-fire-safe-to-go-outdoors-again-1.2982024

tularetom

(23,664 posts)
2. I have no clue what trichloroisocyanuric acid is
Wed Mar 4, 2015, 09:27 PM
Mar 2015

But just from the sound of it, I don't want to be around it.

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