Fire extinguisher source of substance found in Main Street apartment building

It turned out the substance was from a fire extinguisher and did not pose any danger, a fire department spokesman said after firefighters had checked out the situation in the South Wind apartment facility at 70 Main St.

“We had a telephone call from this gentleman saying there was a yellow power found in the laundry room,” the spokesman said.

“He started sweeping up and he started coughing (with) burning in the throat.”

Firefighters sealed off the area, keeping traffic away from the area until the hazardous material unit could have a look at what had been found.

Some tests were conducted and it was determined that the substance was from a fire extinguisher.

“It was hanging on the wall above the location of the substance,” the department spokesman said. “I’m just guessing maybe somebody pulled the handle because she’s empty.”

The substance is not harmful, although one should wear a mask while sweeping it up, he said.

He acknowledged that, initially, since fire officials didn’t know what they might be dealing with, the decision was made to bring in the hazardous material team and cordon off the site just to be safe.