Chemical spill triggers fire and hazmat response at warehouse in Yonkers.

A significant chemical spill in Yonkers on Tuesday led to a three-alarm fire and a massive emergency response, involving over 40 firefighters dispatched to the scene at European Beauty Concepts, a supply business located in the area. The incident occurred around noon and was marked by the release of toxic smoke resulting from a chemical reaction involving hair and nail treatment products alongside bleach.

According to fire commissioner William Fitzpatrick, preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was triggered when a forklift damaged one of the containers, causing the contents to spill and leading to a hazardous chemical reaction. Fitzpatrick noted the warehouse contained numerous tightly packed materials on pallets stacked to considerable heights, which likely contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

In response to the incident, officials took precautionary measures, evacuating individuals from nearby buildings to ensure public safety. Fortunately, the wind direction played a role in preventing the spread of smoke towards these structures, although the air quality in the vicinity remained a concern.

As a result of the fire’s impact on air quality, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) temporarily suspended Hudson Line service between the Yonkers Metro-North station, located approximately a quarter mile south of the fire, and the Glenwood station, a half-mile to the north. Train service resumed by 5:45 PM, although delays were reported, and numerous trains scheduled to depart from Grand Central Terminal were canceled. Additionally, Amtrak’s Northeast Empire service was also put on hold as a precautionary measure.

This incident underscores the potential dangers associated with improper handling and storage of hazardous chemicals, as well as the importance of rapid emergency response protocols in mitigating risks to the public. Local authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the situation and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

As the investigation continues, residents and businesses in the affected area remain vigilant, and fire officials are emphasizing the need for proper safety measures and employee training to prevent accidents related to chemical handling.

For more updates on this developing story, please refer to Media News Source.