Hazmat Incident At West Hartford Home Prompts Rapid Response: WHFD

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local firefighters and state responders swarmed a West Hartford residence after dangerous hydrochloric acid was found leaking in a home's basement.

At approximately 10:30 a.m. On Monday, the West Hartford Fire Department was called to assist the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection in a hazardous materials response at 148 Lawler Drive.

DEEP personnel were already on scene when Ladder 4, under the leadership of WHFD Lt. Bob Howe, arrived at 10:33 a.m., the WHFD said in a statement.

The fire department said the homeowner contacted DEEP after discovering a leaking container of hydrochloric acid that had been stored in the basement.

Hazmat technicians from the WHFD worked in coordination with DEEP’s hazmat team to safely enter the residence and perform air monitoring throughout the home, the WHFD said.

An environmental clean-up contractor, hired by the homeowner, was brought in to remediate the leak, officials said.

The West Hartford Fire Department responded with Ladder 4, Truck 3, Squad 1, Medic 21, Car 4, Car 1, and Fire Marshal 2.

American Medical Response (AMR) and the West Hartford Police Department also provided support on the scene.

"Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and all occupants were evaluated and found to have no medical concerns," wrote WHFD Deputy Chief Russell Duffy in a release.

The incident was successfully mitigated and declared rectified at noon, the WHFD said.

Fire officials said incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of safely storing hazardous chemicals at home.

"In addition to having working smoke alarms, the West Hartford Fire Department reminds all residents to safely store and properly dispose of old or unused household chemicals," wrote Duffy. "Improper storage can lead to hazardous conditions and potential health risks."

For disposal guidance, residents are encouraged to contact DEEP or a licensed hazardous waste disposal contractor, Duffy said.