A spill of fire retardant has occurred on the northbound lanes of Route 11 between Jacquet River and Charlo as reported by the provincial government. The spill, estimated to be between 50 and 100 litres, has stretched over several kilometers and has since dried, according to an update posted on Facebook by the province on Thursday around noon. Fortunately, the authorities have confirmed that the spill is not a threat to humans or the environment.
The public has been advised to be cautious of any personnel present at the spill site. The incident, first disclosed by the province at approximately 8 p.m. on Wednesday, is the responsibility of a contractor working for the Department of Natural Resources. Fire retardant, utilized to impede the spread of fires, primarily consists of ammonium polyphosphate, a phosphate salt also utilized as a fertilizer.
Described as a “brightly colored solution” by the province, the spill has resulted in the presence of this substance on the affected roadway.
