Material released during emergency may remain unknown

By Terry Murry on Wednesday, September 29th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories

HERMISTON – Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 Battalion Chief Dennis McClure says the actual chemical that caused the evacuation of Shearer Foods Tuesday night may never be known. There were small amounts of several chemicals that are used by the company in the building.

“When we arrived, the smell was intense and the air registered as dangerous,” McClure said.

All of the employees were evacuated and three were taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center. McClure said they were suffering from respiratory distress and nausea.

The first responders over-packed the chemicals that were in the room and ventilated the area. He said levels went back to normal after that. According to McClure, the fire district will not further investigate what caused the emergency.

Photo from Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 Facebook