By Mike Kinney
An abandoned truck in Richmond Tuesday prompted a hazmat call after several 55-gallon barrels containing unidentified liquids were discovered inside it.
At about 3 p.m., staff with Contra Costa Health and Richmond Code Enforcement alerted the Richmond Fire Department to the truck on the 1100 block of Hensley Street, Fire Chief Aaron Osorio said. Engine 64, Truck 64, and Hazmat 64 responded to the scene and immediately began assessing the situation.
The department’s Hazardous Materials Team identified the substances as used motor oil and other automotive fluids. Once confirmed that the materials posed no danger to the community, Contra Costa Health and the Richmond’s Abatement team took charge of safely disposing of the barrels.
“Thanks to the training, teamwork, and quick action of our Richmond firefighters, the situation was handled safely and efficiently,” stated Richmond Firefighters Local 188, the union representing city firefighters. “Our crews on scene were very efficient and knowledgeable in determining what the liquids in the barrels were.”
