As a Federal Firefighter fot the Brecksville VA Hospital Fire Department My partner and I were involved in a hazmat/fire on May 22, 1988. The area was withing the conjoining garage that housed our station and grounds equipment. We notice a slight haze and flame and entered the area without SCBA. As soon as we tasted a battery acid taste we ledt the area very quickly. Unfortunatly the damage was done and we were both were in the hospital for 2 weeks. My partner and I recovered and returned to work with no other issues. In May of 2003 I was disgnosed with NHL cancer. According to my doctor this cancer is the result of the hazmat issue.
Always wear your SCBA at every fire. Never take any situation for granted.
