On the morning of March 7, 2026. South Metro Fire Department responded to call from a residential property where the homeowners were cleaning out their late father's garage. The homeowners found a chemical storage locker with chemical containers in varying states of decay. Several of these containers had formed crystals and others were found to be leaking. South Metro Fire submitted a report to the National Response Center, who notified EPA Region 8. South Metro Fire Department requested EPA assistance with the response in an advisory role.
EPA Region 8 immediately deployed an On-Scene Coordinator to the site, around 9am on March 7, 2026.
Due to the potentially shock sensitive crystals and other explosive chemicals, Douglas County Sherriff's Office Bomb Squad was also brought on scene. The bomb squad disposed of containers with potentially shock sensitive crystals via detonation.
After further assessment in conjunction with the EPA On Scene Coordinator, South Metro Fire Department requested EPA assist with the proper identification and disposal of the chemicals found on scene.
By the end of the day on March 7, 2026, the chemicals had been removed from the home and securely stored. EPA is currently coordinating proper final disposal.
