Emergency – Columbia County Current

Remember that toxic fire at TCI in West Ghent last week? If you are anything like me, you do and want to know more about the fire, the lasting effects and what is being done to prevent a similar disaster.

Fortunately, Assembly member, Didi Barrett, hasn’t forgotten the fire either and is doing something to keep this disaster from being swept under the rug. Barrett has organized a public information meeting regarding the TCI fire for next Thursday (August 16, 2012).

Here is some info from the press release issued by Barrett’s office:

Due to the concerns over the possible release of PCBs, dioxins and volatile organic compounds, Assemblywoman Didi Barrett requested the presence of several agencies to participate in the meeting with Columbia County residents.

Barrett says she has heard from several residents expressing their concerns about the aftermath of the fire and what the limited information made available really means.

While farmers struggle with decisions about what produce to sell and families on what to eat from their gardens, Barrett released the following statement, saying, “I do want these agencies to help put people’s fears to rest…A lot of people are still uneasy about the soot, air and the whole situation. I can understand their concerns. I know the first responders did a very good job and the agencies were very responsive…Folks just want their questions answered so they can go on with their lives.”

The meeting is scheduled for next Thursday, August 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the West Ghent Volunteer Fire Department Station on Route 9H.

UPDATE (4:00pm):
Columbia County 911 has stated on its Facebook page that the EPA has tested the air and the quality is normal so the 15 mile radius “advisory zone” has been LIFTED. Keep in mind, however, that the fire is not 100% extinguished yet so it couldn’t hurt to keep your windows closed, as long as you can handle the heat.

A chemical fire at TCI, a transformer recycling company on Falls Industrial Park Road in Ghent, has forced a State of Emergency to be declared in Columbia County for the area surrounding the fire. According to a press release from the Columbia County Emergency Management Office, people within a 15 mile radius of the fire are advised to remain indoors and cancel outdoor activities until further notice because of potential exposure to contaminants from the fire. If possible, pets and livestock should also remain indoors. Air conditioners should be closed to outdoor air until further notice.

Here is more info from the Columbia County 911 Facebook page:

State Health Department officials are conducting air quality tests in the vicinity of the fire. Out of an abundance of caution, please remain indoors and limit outside activity. Anyone experiencing eye irritation, difficulty breathing or cough should seek medical attention. For additional information, contact the Columbia County Health Department at 518-828-3358 ext. 1293.

I live a little more than 20 miles away from TCI and just noticed the scent of burning chemicals in the air inside my house. As a result, I’m closing all windows and doors and suggest you do the same until the fire is extinguished.