EDMONTON – Hazmat crews have been called in to test the air quality as firefighters battle a blaze at a northwest Edmonton industrial site.
Fire crews were called to Supreme Plating, an electroplating shop in the area of 127 Ave. and 127 St., around 1:15 p.m. Saturday.
Heavy, dark grey smoke was billowing from the roof of the building when fire crews arrived. Shortly after, a second alarm was called.
Because of the chemicals inside the building, there were some small explosions.
“There’s some liquid nickel and copper in there to be aware of,” said Deputy Chief Barry Lamb, with Edmonton Fire Rescue. “So we backed out and we’ve got an exterior attack going right now.”
Hazmat crews have been called in to test the air quality, and Lamb is asking nearby residents to stay inside for the time being.
“We’re asking people, if the smoke’s coming towards you, let’s stay inside for now. And if it’s more serious we’ll advise, but for now we’re okay.”
One track of the nearby CN Rail lines was shut down due to the possibility of the northern wall of the building collapsing.
In total, about 13 trucks and 45 firefighters were called in to battle the blaze.
Traffic has been shut down along 127 St., between Yellowhead and 127 Ave., as crews remain on scene.
At this time it’s not known what caused the fire.