Hazardous Materials Emergencies in New Zealand

The first reeorded hazardous materials emergency in New Zealand occurred in April 1894, when a fire broke out in Kempthome and Prossers drug and pharmaceutical warehouse. The New Zealand Herald reported A lead of hose was passed in, but though the branchmen wore respirators, the fumes of the acid well nigh suffocated them, and they had to be relieved by others every few minutes and led out into the open air. ... 

---