A liquid nitrogen leak sent Seattle Fire hazmat crews to a building near the University of Washington on Sunday morning, with everyone inside evacuated as a safety precaution.
In its initial alert, the Seattle Fire Department said crews were on scene in the 4000 block of Mason Road NE for a hazardous-materials response involving a reported liquid nitrogen leak. The department urged people to avoid the area and said to call 911 for emergencies, but the update did not say whether anyone was hurt or when the building would reopen.
Mason Road NE provides access to University of Washington facilities and parking near the Padelford Garage, according to University of Washington directions. The initial fire department notice did not announce a broader campus closure.
Liquid nitrogen can create a serious indoor hazard because it rapidly expands into gas and can displace oxygen in small or poorly ventilated spaces, according to UW Environmental Health & Safety. Officials have not said whether oxygen levels were affected in this incident.
Seattle Fire's specialized HazMat team responds to accidental leaks and other dangerous releases, using equipment designed to detect, identify and contain hazardous materials, according to the department's Special Operations information. As of the initial advisory, firefighters were still handling the scene and had not posted an all-clear.
