Deputy John Quatieri commanded the Chelsea Fire Department’s response on Tuesday morning to the Salvation Army Thrift Store at 456 Broadway, where an unknown odor had been reported. Employees at the location were experiencing medical issues stemming from the odor, prompting 9-1-1 Dispatchers to advise immediate evacuation of the building.
Tower 1 Firefighters arrived in full protective gear and used a Multi Gas Meter to assess air quality inside the store. Simultaneously, Engine 2’s crew inspected adjacent structures and the building’s outer perimeter to detect any hazardous material release.
The response was upgraded to a TEIR 1 Response, and the MetroFire Haz-Mat Response Team was summoned to the scene. Revere Fire Chief Gene Doherty was present as part of the Haz-Mat contingency. At the scene, three employees received evaluation from Cataldo Ambulance members, though transport to the hospital status remains unclear. This was the third response to 456 Broadway in as many days, with Monday’s first visit yielding no findings and the second identifying a possible pepper spray release.
The investigation remains ongoing, with Deputy Quatieri and Revere Fire Chief Gene Doherty conferring with Haz-Mat Team members on Broadway.
WILLIAM STREET SCARE
Chelsea Police and the Chelsea District Court area were shut down Monday afternoon following the discovery of a suspicious device that proved to be harmless.
Police received notification of a suspicious device near the Court House during afternoon hours. The State Police Bomb Squad was dispatched and quickly determined the device posed no threat. Williams Street and the Court House were reopened, though traffic congestion was significant.