A Mesa school was evacuated on Thursday morning following a hazardous materials incident at the nearby Brimhall Aquatic Complex. According to a report by FOX 10 Phoenix, the emergency response began around 7:30 a.m. after a chemical smell, thought to be chlorine, was detected. The incident led to the evacuation of Franklin Academy at Brimenthal and the hospitalization of seven individuals.
The mixture causing the off-gassing event was sodium bicarbonate and bleach. Mesa Fire & Medical crews and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials responded to the scene, along with a hazmat disposal company cleaning the affected area. "Paramedics treated seven patients, including five Mesa employees and two program participants, they were transported to local hospitals for additional treatment," according to the City of Mesa statement obtained by AZ Family. Summer school at Franklin Academy had yet to begin for the day and was subsequently canceled, with ongoing activities rerouted to Madison Elementary for family pickups.
The hazardous event disrupted not only school operations but community services as well. With 28 students on campus during the incident, the school's prompt response underscored the gravity of the situation. Mesa officials have declared the pool at Brimhall will stay closed on June 7, while the rest of the campus will reopen. Additionally, they mentioned, "The Dive-in movie night scheduled for tomorrow at the pool has been postponed until Friday, June 14."
Mesa's Parks and Recreation Department emphasized its adherence to established safety protocols for handling pool chemicals. This includes the use of alarms, notifications, and extensive staff training. "We have extensive safety protocols to handle chemicals that include alarms, notifications, and training for all aquatic staff – this includes maintenance, lifeguards and administrative personnel," the city conveyed. The department also has plans to further evaluate its processes to ensure public safety continually and has relocated the affected recreation camp to the Jefferson Recreation Center.
