The Cranston Fire Department is monitoring the health of 20 firefighters and first responders experiencing exposure symptoms after battling a chemical fire at ProSys Finishing Technologies last week.
Crews from across the state responded to the company on Elmwood Avenue last Monday when a report of a fire turned into a hazmat incident, sending 12 firefighters and two first responders to the hospital.
Deputy Fire Chief Paul Valletta was the first chief officer on the scene that night, and he is one of the many firefighters dealing with respiratory issues after being exposed to the chemicals inside the building.
“It was a tough night, it’s every fire chief’s worst nightmare when guys and women come out of a building and start collapsing,” Valletta said through coughing fits.