Last night the fire department was dispatched for an anhydrous leak. The leak from the best of my knowledge was from a hose between the farmers tractor and the applicator tank. First arriving units with the COMMANDING OFFICER decided to drive thought the plume of anhydrous ammonia. Once beyond the point of no return they lost all visibility as well as the ability to breathe normally being in an IDLH environment. According to a friend of mine on the department not on the call they became disoriented with the chief officer (also the FEO) freaking out unable to go backwards or forwards and eventually putting the apparatus in the ditch. (F-450 rescue truck) All of the members bailed out with some finding fresh air easier than others with some having SCBA's and reportedly two members sharing a mask. To my understanding 5 members of the FD were transported to the Hospital all treated and released. The following is the news report. Hazmat team responds to anhydrous spill Posted: May 6, 2008 07:13 AM CDT From KWWL.COM An anhydrous spill forced a road in Dubuque County to close. Just before 10:00 Monday night, Dubuque County Hazmat was called to 5202 Karper Harbor Road in rural Cascade. Charles Knepper was attempting to apply anhydrous to a field when it spilled. Area homes were evacuated. A few members of the Cascade Fire Department were exposed to the anhydrous. They were treated at a hospital and released. Karper Harbor Road was re-opened Tuesday morning.

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