Syracuse, NY- On Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 1:39 p.m., Syracuse Fire’s Hazardous Materials Response Team was requested to assisted the Solvay Fire Department with a possible Hazardous Materials fire at the Chemtrade Logistics Facility at 24 Industrial Drive, in the village of Solvay. Solvay Fire units had responded to the scene for a report of a possible fire minutes earlier, at 1:36 p.m. When Solvay units arrived, they found that at least two dumpsters containing products from the facility were on fire, producing an orange column of smoke that could be seen for some distance. Solvay requested Syracuse HazMat to respond and began to extinguish the fire.
The Syracuse Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Team (HazMat), based out of Syracuse Fire Station 5 on North Geddes Street, arrived on the scene at the facility moments later. Solvay Fire had already identified the product suspected to be burning in at least 2 40-yard dumpsters and spreading to a third, on the exterior of a building on the complex. Firefighters were applying copious amounts of water to the fire, in an effort to contain the flames. In addition, Solvay units had activated the reverse 911 system to warn neighbors in the immediate area to remain indoors and shelter in place to avoid any potential hazards associated with the fire.
Members of the Syracuse Fire HazMat team have specialized training and equipment to deal with emergencies of this type and began to consult with and assist Solvay Firefighters in dealing with the fire. Syracuse Firefighters utilized the elevated waterway on Syracuse Engine 5, to hit difficult to reach areas of the dumpsters that were burning.
After approximately 45 minutes, the fire in the dumpsters was extinguished, and the orange smoke that was being produced had dissipated. Air monitoring at the scene confirmed that there was no further hazard. Solvay Fire again utilized reverse 911 to put an end to the shelter in place order. At the time of this release, there was no hazard to the public. The scene has been turned over to Facility Representatives and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to determine what caused the fire, and to begin clean-up. There were no injuries reported to civilians or to emergency responders.
In Addition to the Hazardous Materials Response Team, Syracuse Fire Car 2 and Syracuse Fire Department Ambulance also responded to the scene to assist Solvay Fire. Solvay Police, Onondaga County Emergency Management, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation were also involved with the successful completion of this incident.