Lee: Sanford responds to hazardous chemical spill

 On July 18, 2025, emergency responders were dispatched to the YMCA on K.M. Wicker Memorial Drive following reports of a hazardous chemical incident inside the building.

As a safety precaution, the Sanford Fire Department initiated evacuations within a 500-foot radius of the site.

Central Carolina Hospital was notified and implemented protective measures for staff and patients. The hospital remained accessible at all times and was not within the evacuation zone.

Road closures were implemented around the facility, including K.M. Wicker Memorial Drive and sections of Carthage Street and Fields Drive, as first responders established a secure perimeter.

A specialized hazardous materials team from the City of Fayetteville Fire Department, serving as North Carolina Hazardous Materials Regional Response Team #3 (NCRRT-3), was deployed to assess and contain the situation. The team is trained and equipped to respond to hazardous materials incidents involving spills, leaks, and other threats to life, health, and property.

The chemicals involved were hydrochloric acid and chlorine.

The incident was contained around 2 p.m., allowing the reopening of Carthage Street and Fields Drive. K.M. Wicker Memorial Drive remained closed as first responders continued their work at the scene.

As of 4:15 p.m., all roads are open, including K.M. Wicker Memorial Drive, and the hazmat team has left the scene.

Responding agencies were the City of Sanford Fire, Police, and Public Works Departments, in conjunction with Lee County Emergency Management, and the Fayetteville Fire Department’s Regional Response Team #3.

The incident has been resolved without any injuries.

Contributed by the City of Sanford at 5:54 p.m. without any explanation of how the spill occurred or how many people were inside the building at the time of the spill.

July 18, 2025