Stoneham Fire Department and Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Respond to Hazmat Incident at Stoneham Department of Public Works

STONEHAM — The Stoneham Fire Department and the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services responded Tuesday afternoon to a hazardous materials incident at the Stoneham Department of Public Works (DPW). 

On Tuesday, March 31, at approximately 2 p.m., Stoneham DPW employees contacted the Stoneham Fire Department to report that some unidentified materials began leaking and emitting smoke as they were cleaning up the DPW yard at 16 Pine St.

Stoneham firefighters responded immediately, but were unable to immediately identify the material involved. Firefighters secured the area and requested assistance from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) District 2 Hazardous Materials Response Team. 

Specially trained hazmat technicians were able to determine that the material was a strong acid. They neutralized the hazard, secured the material, and called for assistance from Clean Harbors for disposal.

Two DPW workers were evaluated on scene by medical personnel. One was taken to a local hospital as a precaution but later released. 

Stoneham firefighters were on scene for several hours. During this time the Department also responded to two calls, one for a crash involving a pedestrian and one for an oven fire.