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Firefighters respond to a reported chemical spill at the downtown YMCA Friday evening - Photo by Jessie Weisner
YMCA

Downtown YMCA remains closed following reported chemical spill

Sep 6, 2019 | 6:16 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Medicine Hat Firefighters are asking the public to avoid the Downtown YMCA following a reported chemical spill at the building.

According to the Medicine Hat Fire Service, a maintenance worker at the YMCA was working on the pool’s water, when he mixed two chemicals together, which had an unexpected reaction and produced chlorine gas.

The maintenance worker was taken to hospital as a precaution. An immediate update on his condition was not known.

The building has been evacuated to ensure safety of the workers. Firefighters are working to remove the chemical from the building, and will ventilate the building later in the evening.

The downtown YMCA is closed, and access is being patrolled at River Road and the Arena while firefighters work.

The YMCA says they’re hoping to reopen for regular hours Saturday.