Firefighters Manage Chemical Fire Aboard Freight Ship in Tacoma Harbor, Containing Toxic Plumes and Hazmat Threats

Washington state crews battled a fire on board a cargo ship carrying hazardous materials in Tacoma harbor and eventually contained the blaze after it burned for two days.
The fire progressed towards tanks of freon aboard the ship before it was brought under control, leading officials to temporarily order residents in nearby neighborhoods to shelter in place.
Multiple agencies including the EPA and state environmental authorities responded to help contain any chemical leaks or runoff from firefighting efforts.
The Coast Guard closed the waterway to all traffic during the emergency response, which is ongoing as investigators work to determine the cause of the blaze.
There were no reported injuries from the incident, though air quality warnings remained in effect for areas downwind of the harbor.