Investigators from the Department of Fire Services (DFS) Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division entered the apartment building to find the source of a foul odor discovered by Blackstone Fire and Board of Health personnel. (Photo Courtesy Blackstone Fire Department)
BLACKSTONE — Chief Kevin Roy reports that the Blackstone Fire Department, Blackstone Board of Health and Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) jointly investigated an unknown odor in an apartment building on Thursday.
On Thursday, June 5, at approximately 11:03 a.m., the Blackstone Fire Department and Board of Health inspectors requested assistance from the DFS Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division after entering an apartment building at 92 Main St. for a standard fire prevention follow-up and encountering a strong odor.
Firefighters evacuated the building’s 12 units until investigators determined the source of the odor.
Ultimately, the smell was linked to an issue emanating from a single apartment.
“We need to be extremely careful when we respond to cases like this,” said Chief Roy. “As a matter of policy, we proceed with caution and cover all our bases. Luckily, this time we determined there were no major threats to public health or safety.”
Tuesday’s high temperatures, over 90 degrees throughout the afternoon, complicated efforts as firefighters in full turnout gear fought off dehydration.
The Central Mass SPARKS Association (CMSA) 78 Rehab Unit set up a tent across the street, offering food and beverages to building residents and fire and rescue personnel.
“I’d like to commend all our hard-working public safety personnel who spent hours out in the heat trying to get to the bottom of this situation,” said Town Administrator Lovett. “And thank you to our neighboring communities, whose departments generously offered vital mutual aid throughout the day.”
“We work hand-in-hand with the Blackstone Fire Department,” said Town of Blackstone Health Agent Colleen Strapponi. “The Blackstone Police, Fire, Board of Health and Building Department all work at a very high level of cooperation. At the end of the day, it’s all about public health and safety.”
A North Smithfield, Rhode Island, EMS ambulance responded to the scene. Millville and North Smithfield fire departments provided on-call coverage while the Blackstone Fire Department was tied up on the scene.
Blackstone Police also responded to the scene.
After the investigation determined that the source of the odor did not pose a threat, ventilation units were deployed at the open doorways to clear the air within the structure.
Some residents waited on the scene to be allowed back into the building. The Blackstone Public Library also provided air-conditioned rooms for displaced residents.
The Board of Health and the Fire Department determined the building would be temporarily uninhabitable due to safety concerns. The Blackstone Fire Department reached out to the American Red Cross to assist with any needed temporary housing assistance for the displaced residents.
“We’d really like to thank the CMSA 78 Rehab Unit for showing up with hydrating fluids and some relief from this sudden temperature spike,” said Chief Roy. “I’d also like to thank Millville and North Smithfield fire departments for responding to incidents while most of our resources were tied up on Main Street. I’d also like to thank our public safety dispatcher who was extremely busy the entire day and did an excellent job coordinating with multiple agencies and acquiring regional resources.”
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Tuesday’s high temperatures, which exceeded 90 degrees throughout the afternoon, complicated efforts as firefighters in full turnout gear struggled against dehydration. (Photo Courtesy Blackstone Fire Department)
After the source of the odor was discovered, Blackstone firefighters ventilated the building. (Photo Courtesy Blackstone Fire Department)
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