Lab building evacuated for gas leak

UPDATE: 3:15 p.m. Idaho Falls Firefighters said the chemical involved is a common chemical used in air conditioning systems. Routine maintenance of the building’s system was underway at the time of the incident Monday.

At this time, firefighters believe the release only affected one room, but the entire building was evacuated as a precaution.

No one was injured or affected by the chemical.

Original Story:

The Energy Innovation Laboratory at 775 University Boulevard was evacuated shortly before 2 p.m. Monday after a refrigerant gas release.

Equipment in the building immediately identified the gas as “Chemical 407 C.” While the building was evacuated, no one was adversely affected.

Idaho Falls Fire Department officials said the building was still under evacuation at 3 p.m. while firefighters ventilated the building to make it safe for workers to return.

The exact cause of the chemical release was not sure at this time.