Shelter-In-Place Issued For Haz-Mat Emergency In Milford, Fire Officials Say

MILFORD, CT — A shelter-in-place was issued in a Milford neighborhood due to a hazardous materials emergency Thursday in Milford, according to the Milford Fire Department.

Firefighters responded to a report of a chemical odor at a house on Overton Avenue at 4:45 p.m. Crews "quickly identified the area as hazardous through metering" and ensured that the home was evacuated.

The homeowner told emergency responders that he was moving an old refrigerator in the basement and dropped it before the odor began.

Hazardous materials technicians in protective suits entered the home. They removed the compressor from the fridge and brought it outside for further inspection.

Crews determined the refrigerant was sulfur dioxide, a colorless gas heavier than air that may cause irritation to eyes, nose, and throat, and may lead to difficulty breathing and brochities, according to fire officials.

Surrounding homes in the neighborhood were advised to shelter-in-place and to close all windows and doors, turn off all HVAC systems, and remain indoors.

The homeowners were evaluated but did not require any further medical care. However, the home was deemed unsafe to stay for the remainder of the night, and the American Red Cross was notified.

The hazardous materials team went through a decontamination process and cleared the scene.

"Fire Departments across the country deal with any number of hazards at any given time," fire officials wrote on Facebook. "Continued training and commitment by our members to protect our communities make this possible."