HAZMAT Crews Testing in Apex as Fire Subsides

10/6/2006

Hazardous materials teams are now on the premises of E-Q Company, 1005 Investment Blvd. in Apex. An explosion and fire resulted in an evacuation order being issued for the area bounded by U.S. 1, N.C. 55 and U.S. 64 highways.

The rain has caused the fires to subside somewhat, although there are still sporadic fires. HAZMAT teams have assessed the site and are using thermal-imaging cameras to identify "hot spots" and to help determine the best way to extinguish remaining fires. No one is being allowed to return to the evacuation area at this time, and anyone who has sheltered in place is asked to remain inside until the evacuation order is lifted. Green Hope High School, 2500 Carpenter Upchurch Road in Cary, is the only shelter currently open, and guests who were sheltered overnight at Turner and Olive Chapel elementary schools have been transferred to Green Hope. Schools in Apex are closed. N.C. Hwy. 55 has reopened.

No fatalities and no serious injuries have been reported. Forty-one people with minor injuries and symptoms, including 13 emergency responders who were first on the scene, have reported to area hospitals overnight. Hospitals that have received patients are WakeMed Raleigh, Duke, Rex Healthcare and WakeMed Cary.

The onsite media center is at the shopping center at the intersection of U.S. 64 and Laura Duncan Road in Apex, adjacent to the Apex emergency command post.

The Raleigh-Wake County 911 Center has received hundreds of calls regarding the fire. Residents should direct their non-emergency calls to the Wake County Emergency Operations Center at 856-7044 , and stay tuned to local media for information updates. 911 should be reserved for emergency calls. The Wake County EOC is continuing to coordinate response and operate a phone bank for citizens and others who have questions.

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