The Greeley Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Team was called into action Tuesday to neutralize and dispose of a mercury spill — the culprit, the homeowner said, was a “frisky” cat.
At about 1:04 p.m., firefighters from the Greeley Fire Department responded to 921 13th St, after a report of a mercury spill. Officials said the occupant reported that a vial containing approximately 2 teaspoons of mercury had been knocked over by the cat. Because mercury is considered hazardous, the first responding units requested the response of the Haz Mat team.
Fire crews evacuated the apartment and were able to assess the spill by looking through the window. Officials said fire incident command consulted with the Weld County Health Department who gave approval for the Haz Mat team to utilize a mercury absorbent material which is carried by the team. Crews then donned appropriate personnel protective equipment and made entry into the house, utilized the absorbent, and then cut out the carpet which had been exposed.
The materials were then contained, transported, and disposed of at the Weld County Household Hazardous Waste facility, as approved by Weld County Health.
There were no injuries to citizens or firefighters reported.
