VIDEO: Durham Fire-Rescue Hazardous Materials Team is leading the way in using new and existing equipment to decontaminate surfaces that may have been exposed to COVID-19.
Firefighters suit up in Tyvek hazmat gear to spray all surfaces with chlorine dioxide.
"Chlorine dioxide has been shown in multiple studies and by multiple federal agencies to kill the COVID-19 virus," said Ryan Campbell with the Durham Fire Department.
To clean an entire firehouse, he says that it can be done by mixing packets of chlorine dioxide with water in a cup that sets off a gas aroma. The cleaning and ventilation process can take up to 5 hours.
Durham firefighters are wearing more donated masks made by individuals and local businesses. "We're trying to get 1,200. We're about halfway there," said Durham Fire Chief Robert Zoldos.