OCALA, Fla. A routine medical call at Chewy’s Fulfillment Center turned into a large-scale hazardous materials response Tuesday morning after firefighters detected the presence of a potentially dangerous gas inside the facility.
Ocala Fire Rescue responded at approximately 7:58 a.m. on July 14 to the fulfillment center at 3380 NW 35th Avenue Road after receiving a call about a person experiencing lightheadedness.
While Rescue 1 personnel evaluated the patient, a carbon monoxide alarm built into their medical equipment activated, prompting firefighters to begin investigating the source of the hazardous atmosphere.
As a precaution, officials initiated an evacuation of the approximately 600,000-square-foot facility while additional emergency crews responded.
Engine 1, Engine 4, Tower 1, Squad 7, Rescue 4, Battalion Chief 11 and a safety officer searched the building using gas monitoring equipment. Firefighters confirmed the presence of a toxic, odorless gas but determined that initial readings did not clearly identify carbon monoxide as the source.
Investigators then focused on another possible cause and determined the readings were likely the result of hydrogen gas being released from forklift batteries. Officials said hydrogen off-gassing can produce symptoms similar to carbon monoxide exposure and may trigger comparable alarm responses on monitoring equipment.
Firefighters removed the forklifts from the building and ventilated the facility. As ventilation continued, gas monitor readings steadily declined.
Emergency medical personnel evaluated six people during the incident. One individual was transported to a hospital for further treatment, while the other five declined additional medical care.
No other injuries were reported.
Operations at the fulfillment center were temporarily suspended for several hours while crews completed ventilation efforts and ensured the building was safe for employees to reenter.
The Ocala Police Department and Marion County Fire Rescue also assisted with the response.