ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, May 22, 1996 TAG: 9605220069
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: HAMPTON
SOURCE: The Daily Press
Activation of a chemical fire extinguisher system in a computer center at Langley Air Force Base Tuesday injured 15 and forced the evacuation of 400 people, 1st Fighter Wing officials said.
Five of the 15 were treated on the spot, said Staff Sgt. Steve Marciniak, a spokesman. The remaining 10 - seven members of the Air Force and three civilian workers - were taken to 1st Medical Group Hospital for treatment and observation. By 6 p.m., all had been released, Marciniak said.
Spokesman Maj. Ed Worley said the 15 workers inhaled Halon 1301, a colorless agent that puts out fires through a chemical reaction. He said exposure to the gas causes a burning sensation in the respiratory tract similar to smoke inhalation. Victims are treated with oxygen.
No fire was reported. The cause of the system activation is under investigation, Worley said.
The system was activated in two first-floor rooms at 3 p.m., drawing a response from base police, fire, medical and biomedical engineer teams. By 6 p.m., the building had been cleared for use, and workers returned to their jobs, Marciniak said. The building houses the Air Combat Command Computer Systems Squadron.
None of the squadron's equipment was damaged, Worley said. The Halon, he said, ``leaves no residue. That's what makes it great for using in computer rooms. It doesn't damage the computers. It just puts out the fire.''
LENGTH: Short : 36 linesby CNB