The Mentor Fire Department responded to an alarm at the STERIS facility located at 6100 Heisley Road in Mentor around noon today.
Initially, it had appeared that it might be a false alarm, but upon further investigation, firefighters and maintenance personnel discovered thick, acrid smoke in an unoccupied office/laboratory which was known to contain chemicals. A mutual aid request was sent out to neighboring departments as the nature and quantity of the chemicals was unknown at the time. Fortunately, the chemicals were subsequently determined not to be a public health hazard.
Due to the quick and efficient actions of STERIS management, all employees were safely evacuated and accounted for as additional crews from Mentor Fire and adjoining communities arrived on the scene to extinguish the fire.
Firefighters were on location ventilating the building for the remainder of the afternoon so that employees may retrieve personal belongings. The extent of the damage is believed to be relatively minor but undisclosed at this time. The cause is yet to be determined as officials continue their investigation.
Second shift employees will not report this evening. Staff will report to work as scheduled in the morning.