TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. – Treasure Island Fire Rescue responded to two separate incidents on Wednesday, highlighting the lingering dangers posed by Hurricane Helene.
The first call came in around 10:30 AM concerning a hazardous materials situation at the Bilmar Beach Resort. Firefighters discovered a flooded basement containing a dangerous cocktail of gas, paint thinners, chlorine, and numerous lithium-ion batteries submerged in saltwater.
The presence of saltwater and lithium-ion batteries created a serious fire risk due to the potential for spontaneous combustion. Hazmat teams worked quickly to remove the hazardous materials and secure the area.
Shortly after, firefighters were called to a debris fire in the Sunset Beach neighborhood. The fire, which involved a pile of debris in a driveway, was quickly extinguished.
Treasure Island Fire Rescue urges residents and business owners to remain cautious of potential hazards following the hurricane, particularly when it comes to submerged electronics and hazardous materials.
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No injuries were reported in either incident. The fire department emphasized the importance of proper disposal of hazardous materials and electronics, especially in the aftermath of a hurricane.
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