The Taunton Fire Department responded to a hazardous materials incident at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School on Monday. (Photo courtesy Taunton Fire Department)
TAUNTON — Fire Chief Steven Lavigne and Superintendent-Director Dr. Alexandre Magalhaes report that the Taunton Fire Department responded to Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School on Monday for a hazardous materials incident.
On Monday, Feb 3, at about 1:48 p.m., Taunton Fire responded to Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School for possible hazardous materials exposure in a standalone outer building that houses the biotechnology, dental, and community health programs.
Students reported a strong odor in the classroom. There was no active chemical spill or leak. The teacher removed students from the classroom and called 911.
Taunton Fire declared a Tier 1 hazardous materials incident — the lowest level — for hazardous and risk assessment.
A Massachusetts Department of Fire Services’ Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division team responded to assist.
The 16 students and staff member were moved to an adjacent building, where first responders evaluated them for minor symptoms, including dizziness and lightheadedness.
Seven students were transported to Morton Hospital in Taunton for evaluation of minor symptoms. The remaining students were released to their parents or guardians.
During the investigation, firefighters did not detect any unusual readings in the building, and the Taunton Board of Health approved the building’s reopening.
Classes will resume as normal on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School.
The cause remains under investigation by the Taunton Fire Department and the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services’ Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division.
“We are extremely thankful that no one was seriously injured as a result of this incident,” Superintendent-Director Magalhaes said. “I would like to commend the teacher who quickly removed the students from the classroom to safety. We are grateful to the Taunton Fire Department for their prompt response.”
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The Taunton Fire Department declared a Tier 1 hazardous materials incident at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School on Monday. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services’ Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division responded to assist and investigate. (Photo courtesy Taunton Fire Department)
The Taunton Fire Department responded to a hazardous materials incident at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School on Monday. (Photo courtesy Taunton Fire Department)
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