No injuries have been reported
DP World announced that on 4 March 2015 the Company experienced a fire within a container stack at its terminal in Vancouver, Canada, at 13.15 local time.
Emergency services were contacted immediately and the authorities alerted. All employees and contractors, apart from the DP World Emergency Response Team, have been evacuated. No injuries have been reported as a result of the fire.
The source of the smoke visible from the container stack fire has been attributed to the chemical Trichloroisocyanauric acid, commonly used as an industrial disinfectant and bleaching agent. Potential side effects from long term or sustained exposure to the chemical are lung, eye or skin irritation. Any members of the public concerned or who require more health related information are advised to contact their nearest medical facility.
The DP World Emergency Response Team is working with and assisting the relevant authorities to control and contain the situation. The Company has brought an Occupational Hygienist to the site to assess and assist with the necessary control measures which may be required to minimise impact of the fire. A specialist environmental contractor has also been engaged to ensure minimal impact on the surrounding area and marine habitat.
DP World is communicating directly with customers impacted by the event and working to address any cargo or operational concerns.
“Our primary focus is the safety and well-being of our people and the wider community. We are working round the clock to bring situation under control. It is too early to determine the cause of the fire, however we will conduct a full investigation into the incident” DP World stated.
Source and Image Credit: DP World
