Tear gas fumes hinder firefighters in Pa. fire

By Bob Stiles
The Tribune-Review

HOMER CITY, Pa. — A state police fire marshal was sifting through rubble Wednesday in hopes of finding the cause of a fire that destroyed part of an Indiana County business that manufactures tear gas and other riot-control materials.

The blaze at NonLethal Technologies, near Homer City, was difficult for firefighters from nine companies to fight because they had to contend with tear gas fumes.

"It's nonlethal, but it's an irritant," said Tom Stutzman, Indiana County Emergency Management coordinator.

The materials inside the building, one of several at the business in an isolated area off Route 286, hampered firefighters in other ways.

"You'd get it (the fire) knocked down, but because of the materials, it would start up again," Stutzman said.

The fire was reported about 12:30 a.m. via an alarm. Early on, firefighters got the blaze under control, only to have it reignite several times, authorities said.

About 3 a.m., firefighters pulled back from the building after extensive exposure to the tear gas fumes and a roof collapse.

Indiana County's hazardous materials team decontaminated firefighting gear.

The firefighters were examined for any medical issues by ambulance personnel and a doctor, Stutzman said. No injuries were reported, he said.

"They really had no symptoms," Stutzman said. "It's an irritant. They had a cough while they were there."

Stutzman said most of the more explosive materials, such as black powder, were kept in other buildings. The business owner was on site early on and could tell firefighters about materials inside the building, authorities said.

The Aultman Fire Company remained at the scene after the fire was brought under control about 4 a.m.

Efforts to speak with Aultman Assistant Chief Clint Shaffer and the owner of the business were unsuccessful .

According to its Web site, NonLethal's products include smoke grenades and projectiles, impact munitions and pyrotechnic devices used by the military and police.

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