A 100-metre exclusion zone was set up in the docks area of Belfast on 9 June 2008, after what police described as a "chemical reaction involving hazardous materials." The emergency services were alerted to the incident at Albion Chemicals in the Duncrue Industrial Estate, and people in the surrounding area were advised to keep their windows closed or avoid the area completely.
A spokeswoman for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said problems arose when a chemical container was being cleaned out at the distributions firm. Firefighters wearing chemical suits worked in liaison with the Albion Chemical on-site team to reduce the vapour being produced by the reaction. Four fire appliances and a hazardous material unit were deployed to the incident after first reports suggested that an explosion had released a cloud of potentially toxic gas. The brown hazy plume that formed was eventually dispersed by spraying it with water mist.
A spokesman for the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) said first reports indicated nitric acid being poured into a contaminated industrial bulk container had caused the chemical reaction. "Drainage systems at the site have been blocked thus preventing any liquid material entering the port waters, and initial indications are that this is proving successful." Albion chemicals confirmed the reaction was a "minor incident" and reiterated that there were no injuries and no environmental damage.
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