Great Barrington Fire Department responds to chemical spill at high school
Great Barrington — Chief Charles Burger reports that the Great Barrington Fire Department responded to Monument Mountain Regional High School Thursday evening following a chemical spill.
Just after 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, the GBFD responded to the high school after a chemical spill was reported in one of the science labs. Upon arrival, firefighters learned that approximately 2 liters of ammonium hydroxide, a solution that can aggravate the nose, throat and respiratory tract in high concentrations, was knocked over by a teacher who was working in the lab.
The state Hazardous Materials Emergency Response team was called for assistance, and crews worked together to neutralize the solution and ventilate the building. Atmospheric and surface testing came back safe, and occupants were allowed to reenter the building. An environmental cleanup company will finish the remediation prior to the start of school next week.
At the time of the spill, only a few people were in the building and were immediately evacuated. The teacher was exposed to the chemical solution; she was evaluated on the scene by Southern Berkshire Ambulance and declined further medical treatment.
“Thankfully this was a very minor incident,” Burger said. “We want to assure students, parents, faculty and community members that there is no health threat and the building is safe to occupy.”
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WAMC, Berkshire Theatre Group to present DA candidates’ debate
Stockbridge — WAMC Northeast Public Radio and Berkshire Theatre Group will present a live debate among the Democratic candidates for Berkshire County District Attorney Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 1 to 2 p.m. at BTG’s Fitzpatrick Main Stage.
Set to take place one week before the Sept. 4 primary election, the debate will air live on WAMC, at wamc.org and on Facebook. It will feature Berkshire County District Attorney Paul Caccaviello, Andrea Harrington and Judith Knight moderated by WAMC president and CEO Alan Chartock, WAMC’s Berkshire bureau chief Josh Landes and WAMC news director Ian Pickus.
The debate is free and open to the public. Tickets are required. For tickets and more information, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or call Berkshire Theatre Group at (413) 997-4444.
