Houston Fire Department Update on Ammonia Leak at Memorial City Mall

Ammonia Leak Incident at Memorial City Mall

• 🚨 Houston Fire Department responded to a confirmed ammonia leak at Memorial City Mall on Tuesday evening.
• 💡 The leak originated from the mall's ice rink, specifically a valve issue that was previously known and being addressed.
• ⚠️ Maintenance workers discovered the leak, and an alarm also sounded, prompting an immediate evacuation.

Hazmat Response and Mitigation

• 🚒 A hazmat team was dispatched to mitigate the situation, requiring firefighters to wear Level A suits due to the hazardous nature of ammonia.
• 💨 The affected mechanical room was ventilated to remove residual ammonia, and meters are being used to check for any remaining traces.
• 🔬 The primary goal is to make the area safe for permanent repairs to be completed.

Evacuation and Mall Closure

• 🚶‍♂️ The mall management, in coordination with mall security, HPD, and the fire department, initiated an evacuation of the entire mall.
• 🚫 Memorial City Mall was closed for the remainder of Tuesday and will remain closed until the situation is fully resolved and deemed safe.
• 🤕 No injuries or fatalities were reported among mall patrons or fire department personnel.

Ammonia and Its Properties

• ❄️ Ammonia is used as a component to keep the ice rink frozen.
• 😵 Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia can cause individuals to pass out due to oxygen deprivation.
• 👃 Ammonia has a distinct odor and can be visible when a large amount is leaking.

Future Steps and Fire Department Role

• 🛠️ The immediate next steps involve isolating and controlling the leak, followed by permanent repairs.
• 🧐 The mall management will be responsible for subsequent inspections after the repairs are completed.
• 🚚 Hazmat trucks carry equipment for a wide range of hazardous material incidents.