Bar's chemical leak keeps firemen alert

The Dominion Post | Friday, 5 January 2007

Firefighters activated their maximum alert level and donned protective gear after a "pungent" chemical leaked from refrigeration equipment in a Wellington bar yesterday.

Emergency services were called to the Establishment in Blair St about midday after staff became alarmed over a chemical leaking from a machine in the bar's basement.

"There was a very strong smell. It was a pungent odour," said senior station officer Brendan Nally.

The street was cordoned off while firefighters removed the unit and decontaminated it. Those who went into the building were then given decontamination showers.

The fire service went to maximum alert level because of uncertainty over the chemical, Mr Nally said. Bar staff were also given precautionary medical checks.

Management and employees at the bar would not comment.

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