Connecticut factory fire releases asbestos into the air
There was a four-alarm fire at the Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. factory in Torrington, Connecticut on August 10. The cause of the fire is unknown. Over 50 firefighters were on the scene to put out the blaze, and surrounding neighborhoods had to be evacuated. Four firefighters were sent to the hospital for heat exhaustion. The Deputy Fire Marshal stated that there may have been asbestos in the building, and residents who lived nearby were evacuated due to the potential for exposure to airborne asbestos. Although the Department of Health determined that any asbestos exposure would have been minimal, residents are not comforted. The owners of the factory building will be responsible for the cleanup after the fire, as they only had liability insurance.
For the full story, go to WFSB Hartford.
