Vet surgery evacuated after a ‘chemical incident’

A veterinary practice was evacuated after reports of ‘a strong smell of chemicals’.

Medivet on Springfield Road, Chelmsford, called the emergency service just before 11am yesterday.

Essex County Fire & Rescue service stated: “Firefighters were called to reports of a strong smell of chemicals at a veterinary practice in Chelmsford.

“Three fire engines from Chelmsford and Great Baddow responded to the call along with the HAZMAT and DIM (Detection, Identification and Monitoring) vehicles with their support pumps and a number of specialist fire officers.

“All person and animal were evacuated from the property. Crews wearing breathing apparatus entered the building to carry out a search and investigate.

“The investigation was concluded that the smell was coming from some chemicals which are used by the practice in their day-to-day operations. Fire officers have given the property owners advice and left the scene in their care.”