Salem Fire Crews Respond To Hazmat Battery, Gas Main Break Calls

SALEM, MA — Salem fire crews responded to what appeared to be two emergency situations in the city on Monday.

At about noon, Union Local 172 reported a call for a "potentially explosive" hazmat situation because of a lithium battery on Congress Street. The "smoking equipment" call came from Shetland Office Park on Congress Street.

About 20 minutes later, crews reported requesting mutual aid from Peabody with assistance from National Grid because of a gas main strike on Flint Street.

"There has not been an explosion at this time, only the potential for one," Local 172 said. "Evacuations are being conducted so the device can be removed and safely detonated at the quarry on Swampscott Road."

.@SalemMAFire & state officials responding to fire alarm call at Shetland Office Park in #SalemMA due to smoking equipment at a business there. Out of caution, the impacted building has been evacuated and public safety officials are on site. pic.twitter.com/1uw0fok70V
— City of Salem MA (@CityofSalemMA) April 5, 2021

"People in the area are advised to avoid approaching Shetland Office Park at this time and should follow all directions from police, fire, and emergency response personnel," city officials requested shortly before 1 p.m.

"Grateful for the response of the Salem Fire Department, Salem Police Department, Salem Public Services Department and personnel from several state agencies who helped address a potential hazardous materials threat at Shetland Park this afternoon," Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said. "A large lithium battery utilized by one of the businesses at Shetland was deemed a safety hazard and removed and safely detonated at the Aggregate Quarry site on Swampscott Road."