A controlled burn conducted by the Bloomington Fire Department on Friday has led to the spread of debris containing lead, according to a City of Bloomington press release Monday. The debris led to complaints from nearby residents who live in the vicinity.
The BFD intentionally started a fire at a two-story house at 1213 S. High St. for training purposes. Demolition had been planned for the house, according to a City of Bloomington press release from Friday.
BFD administration received a complaint from a nearby resident about the ash and paint debris generated by the fire and its potential lead contamination. According to the city government’s website about the burn, the BFD immediately contacted the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and Monroe County Emergency Management to report the issue.
The City of Bloomington and the BFD are now leading the cleanup of the debris that came as a result of the burn, according to the Monday release. Initial test results indicate the presence of lead in the samples of the debris, according to the Monday release.
BFD crews are surveying the areas, collecting debris, and documenting the effects of the debris by going door-to-door to residents, according to the press release.
“We are taking this issue very seriously and have been working to get this resolved as quickly as possible,” Bloomington Fire Chief Jason Moore said in an emailed statement to the IDS.
Bloomington resident Matt Murphy posted on community social media site nextdoor.com that paint debris littered his yard and roof. He complained of poor air quality and is urging people to protect their property and children.
Local health officials recommend that children and pets stay away from paint debris, according to an Office of the Mayor press release.
Residents in the affected area have the ability to request that their property be evaluated for remediation by filling out a form found on the city’s website.
