On the afternoon of
December 29, 2023, the Idaho Communications Center called to report a release
of approximately 3 pounds of mercury due to a fire that occurred on December
25, 2023. On that date a fire occurred at a residential structure in Lewiston,
Idaho. During additional investigation today into the fire, a spill of
elemental mercury was discovered. The property owner indicated he had a
large glass container on a work bench in an area that was consumed by the fire.
The remaining structure is open to the environment with several residences, and
businesses located nearby.
Lewiston Fire Department
responded to the initial structure fire. Idaho Communications Center and Idaho
Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) have requested EPA assistance.
