Burnaby Fire Department responded to a hazardous materials incident in the Big Bend neighbourhood on Thursday night (July 17), following reports of a chemical odour in the area.
Using portable air monitoring systems, fire crews detected bromine gas and determined that it originated in a building in the 8000-block of Wiggins Street.
Four workers at an adjacent business who were experiencing symptoms of inhalation exposure—including nose, throat and lung irritation—were treated on site and received oxygen therapy before being transported to hospital. All are currently in stable condition.
Burnaby Fire monitored the plume and ventilated all affected buildings. As a precaution, over 80 individuals were temporarily evacuated from nearby buildings, until crews had determined it was safe to return.
The scene was isolated with road closures and designated safety zones.
There is no ongoing risk of exposure or further chemical release.
WorkSafeBC attended and will investigate.