A dangerous gas incident at the Safeway in Sweet Home leads to the building being evacuated

SWEET HOME, Oregon – At 10:20 a.m. Monday, Sweet Home Fire and Rescue responded to a “hazardous goods incident” at the Safeway store at 1540 Main Street in Sweet Home, reporting a possible gas leak and “people not feeling well.” sent.”

During the initial investigation, Sweet Home Fire personnel used a gas detector in an area at the rear of the building where there was a strong smell of sulfur.

“The monitor warned of carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide, a gas that can be considered highly toxic at certain concentrations,” Sweet Home FD said.

Detection was strongest in an area where various cleaning chemicals were stored, a floor sink and natural gas-powered water heaters were present, so the decision was made to evacuate the building.

Northwest Natural Gas and the State Hazmat Team were then notified and the area was cleared and monitored until those organizations could arrive to determine the source of the discovery.

After determining that the smell was not coming from the natural gas system and that the gas levels were at a safe enough level, the fire department was able to conduct further investigation.

“It was determined that the source of the gas came from multiple batteries in a floor cleaning machine and a pallet truck, the batteries of which may have failed during the charging phase, producing carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide,” the fire department said.

The machinery was removed from the building and fans were used to clear the building of any remaining gases.

At around 1:20 p.m., the fire department determined that the building was “all clear.”

One employee was evaluated by Sweet Home doctors for nausea and breathing problems without transportation.

“We would like to thank Northwest Natural Gas and the State Hazmat Team for their quick response in bringing their expertise to this incident.”