Smoking chemical concoction evacuates NWC building

Posted 11/5/19

On Wednesday, Northwest College biology instructor Mat Osborne was holding his regular class in the Science and Math building when the fire alarm went off.

Osborne began coordinating what was …

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Smoking chemical concoction evacuates NWC building

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On Wednesday, Northwest College biology instructor Mat Osborne was holding his regular class in the Science and Math building when the fire alarm went off.

Osborne began coordinating what was thought to be a routine evacuation. But Katherine Blevins, a student in the class, spotted a smoking recycling bin in the hallway as she was exiting the room and alerted Osborne. The instructor then went to investigate the bin. He saw no flames, but acrid smoke was billowing out.

“We realized quickly it wasn’t a fire. It was a chemical reaction going on,” Osborne said.

The smoke had a strong chlorine scent, he said, “like a swimming pool.”

The instructor decided to carry the recycling bin outside — a decision that Blevins later praised in a message to NWC leaders.

“He fearlessly risked breathing the fumes and conducted his students and the situation with professionalism and heroism,” Blevins wrote.

Osborne said when he got the bin outside, a melted plastic bottle of Dr. Pepper fell out. Though investigators are still awaiting test results, Osborne confirmed with a colleague that chlorine tablets, like those used to clean hot tubs, would create a heat reaction with the soda.

As such, the fire is suspected to have been intentionally set, possibly as a prank.

However, Powell Police Chief Roy Eckerdt said the circumstances are serious and that he doesn’t see a humorous side to the incident.

“There’s a significant amount of property damage, serious chemicals released through the air and a building that had to be evacuated,” Eckerdt said, adding, “if its intent was a prank, it’s beyond the level of a prank.”

According to an email from Lisa Watson, vice president for administrative services and finance, the school contacted the Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s office, which is investigating the incident along with police.

“I want to thank everyone for their quick response, expertise and support during this event. Events like these should always be treated with concern to ensure campus safety,” Watson wrote in the email.

Osborne said the students waited outside for a few minutes and were soon able to return to class. The entire episode lasted only about 20 minutes, but it made for an exciting morning.

“At the time, it was quite the adrenaline rush,” he said.

Eckerdt said Monday that the incident remained under investigation, with the department awaiting test results and conducting other follow-up work.

“We have some theories in place,” he said.

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