5 Firefighters hospitalized after exposure to unknown chemical

Hart County Fire Department officials say five firefighters were sent to the hospital after battling a structure fire on Anderson Highway on Saturday evening.

Initial reports indicate the firefighters were possibly exposed to a meth lab, but those reports have not been confirmed.

The call came for a structure fire at 2186 Anderson Highway at approximately 7 p.m.

According to Hart County Fire Chief Jerry Byrum three stations responded to the call- Central, Bio and Nancy Hart.

The firefighters were transported to AnMed Medical Center in Anderson due to possible exposure to a chemical.

The five firefighters went through a decontamination process prior to receiving treatment from the hospital.

According to reports, the firefighters were experiencing nausea and vomiting while working inside the building after the fire was brought under control.

All five firemen were released from the hospital between 3:30-4 a.m. Sunday morning and according to Byrum, should not experience any long-term effects from the chemical exposure.

Crews were still on the scene extinguishing hot spots late Saturday evening.

According to Byrum, the crews responded to the scene twice, finally leaving at around 11 p.m.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, as is the source of the chemical exposure.