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Ammonia Leak at Riverfront Contained After Overnight Response

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Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 2:27 p.m.

Spokane, WA -  At 10:22 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025 the Spokane Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team responded to the Riverfront Park Ice Ribbon upon the report of an ammonia leak (ammonia is used in the refrigeration process for the ice ribbon, which operates from November- February). 

Fire apparatus from Station 1, located downtown at 44 W. Riverside, encountered the smell of ammonia outside of the structure housing the ice ribbon's mechanical room as well as an alarm indicating the same.  The HazMat Team was able to confirm the presence of an ammonia leak but was unable to identify the exact location.  The structure was ventilated and specialized monitoring equipment was utilized to ensure atmospheric conditions were safe for a specialized repair contractor to perform work.  Crews remained on-scene with the contractor to ensure the safety of the contractor and that mitigation efforts were successful.  The contractor was able to safely control the situation, and the ammonia hazard was considered completely contained around 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

Riverfront Park and the surrounding streets are fully reopened to the public, and the park has resumed normal operations.

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