On Wednesday afternoon, a fire broke out at the Port of Metro Vancouver. The fire originated from a container of trichloroisocyanuric acid — a bleaching agent and industrial disinfectant — and quickly spread to three other containers.
A local report stated that the 21 fire fighters who responded to the incident struggled at first to manage the fire because it was buried under other containers. The fire smoldered but eventually they were able to bring it under control.
No one was seriously hurt, but at least three people had checked into a local hospital with respiratory concerns. Trichloroisocyanuric acid can irritate the eyes and skin and when it burns it releases chlorine gas.
Residents in the area had been advised to seek shelter, and close windows and doors, but after a few hours were told it was OK to be back outside.
As of Wednesday afternoon, it was still not clear what caused the fire. The company who owns the container — DP World — had sent an occupational hygienist to the site to assist with necessary control measures.
