Firefighters and hazardous materials crews were called to an apartment building near Seattle's iconic Pike Place Market on Tuesday.Just after 12:30 p.m., the Se
Firefighters and hazardous materials crews were called to an apartment building near Seattle's iconic Pike Place Market on Tuesday.
Just after 12:30 p.m., the Seattle Fire Department said the hazmat team was responding to the 90 block of Union Street to investigate an unknown substance in an apartment.
Shortly after, the department said one person was being treated at the scene and was in stable condition, and that crews had entered the building to investigate.
Inside the apartment, hazmat crews identified a small container of hydrofluoric acid that made contact with stainless steel, causing it to heat up and give off gas in a confined space.
Hydrofluoric acid is a clear, highly toxic, and extremely corrosive liquid solution.
Crews are currently gathering the substance and monitoring air quality.
The SFD said the impacted residential unit was evacuated as a safety precaution, and firefighters used the building's PA system to advise residents to shelter in place.
This is a developing story, and more information will be added as it becomes available.
