Above / NFD hazmat technicians respond to spilled ammonia call at Ramsay’s Kitchen. One civilian injury required transport to local hospital. (PN file photos are used to help flag stories related to Naperville Police and Fire Department responses to investigations and emergency calls, always reminding readers that keeping the community safe is everyone’s responsibility. Thanks always for calling 911 whenever necessary to report something that seems suspicious or unsafe. Be alert by day and by night. Be a Naperville Crime Stopper. Stay safe.)
At 9:14PM on Monday, April 15, Naperville’s Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a call for spilled ammonia in the basement of Ramsay’s Kitchen located at 39 W. Jefferson Avenue.
Naperville ECC dispatched a box alarm, which was quickly reduced to a special rescue assignment consisting of 9 pieces of fire apparatus and 16 personnel.
At 9:20PM, the first vehicle arrived on the scene and made entry to the location, finding approximately 1 gallon of ammonia spilled and off-gassing in the basement of the restaurant.
Restaurant staff had alerted other staff and patrons and had the restaurant evacuated by the time of the fire department’s arrival. Fire Department hazmat technicians utilized specialized absorbent materials to remove the ammonia from the location within 30 minutes of arrival.
Companies stayed on the scene for an additional 30 minutes to ensure that all fumes were ventilated and the space was safe for occupants. The spill was contained to the basement of the restaurant, and no further hazardous conditions were found.
After clean-up and ventilation, the building was turned back over to the restaurant staff and was able to be occupied.
The Naperville Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Naperville Police, Warrenville Fire Department, Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District, Darian-Woodridge Fire Protection District, and The Downers Grove Fire Department. The Plainfield Fire Protection District provided station coverage during the incident.
One civilian injury required transport to Edward Hospital is in stable condition. There were no injuries to fire service personnel operating on the scene. The building was able to be reoccupied after the incident.
Report submitted by Phil Giannattasio CFO, Deputy Chief | Naperville Fire Department.
