Press Release  DFS Hazmat Team, Bomb Squad Support Ludlow FD

LUDLOW — The Department of Fire Services’ Hazmat Division and State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office supported the Ludlow Fire Department and other partners yesterday after a resident disclosed that he had potentially hazardous chemicals in storage at home.

After learning of the potential hazard, Ludlow Fire requested assistance from Hazmat technicians, the DFS Joint Hazard Incident Response Team, State Police Bomb Squad, Ludlow Police, and the Department of Environmental Protection.

During a thorough on-site assessment, these partner agencies identified certain reactive and energetic materials in the residence. They were contained and labeled but dangerous if not handled properly. As a precautionary measure, Fuller Street was temporarily closed to allow emergency personnel and equipment safe access to the scene.

All materials posing a hazard were safely removed from the property. Some required controlled detonations, which were conducted by the State Police Bomb Squad at a designated gravel pit on Carmelina’s Circle in Ludlow shortly after 11:30 p.m. This step was necessary due to the nature and degraded condition of some substances. Residents in the area may have heard loud noises associated with these controlled detonations.

The DFS Hazmat Division is available to assist local fire departments when the release or threat of release of certain materials poses a danger to health, safety, or the environment. The Joint Hazard Incident Response Team is comprised of Hazmat technicians who work and train regularly with the Bomb Squad to provide scientific assistance on calls involving reactive or energetic materials.

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