Smoldering Chemical Containers Forces Evacuation at Dole

WAHIAWA, Hawaii (AP) -- Nearly a dozen workers were evacuated from the Dole Food Company building Tuesday after a container filled with chemicals began to swell and smolder, fire officials said.

A fire hazardous-materials team was called to the scene, but decided against evacuating residents living near the Whitmore Avenue building since winds were blowing the smoke away from the homes.

``We don't want to create a panic,'' fire Capt. Kenison Tejada said. ``Everything is stable right now.''

Dole officials said the chemicals are mixed to create a resin-like substance to create a lining in pipes. But the refrigeration apparently stopped working.

Firefighters were monitoring the containers late into the night.

Related

• Teams Investigate Chemical Problem In Whitmore