EMS William Richard, Teacher Margaret Johnson, Chief James Johnson |
Bill Richard an Emergency Medical Services staff at Crozer Medical Center at the time was a first responder on the scene at 2nd and Flower Streets. The fire took place under the then new Commodore Barry Bridge the site of the new Soccer Stadium in Chester. Mr. Richard described the day of the fire, February 2, 1978, as “a day of accomplishment, a day of hope, and a day of infamy.” Chief Johnson was also a first responder on the scene as a firefighter with the Chester Fire Department.
First responders were not informed of all the chemicals on the site. Chemicals mixed together with cyanide, PCB’s, benzene, toluene, arsenic, chromium, and much more were dumped from barrels into the ground and into the Delaware River. As the responders responded to the fire, they had no HazMat gear because this gear was in use at the time. They had no equipment to protect themselves. Their bodies were consumed by these devastating chemicals which ate through rubber boots and clothing. Out of 200 responders, 20-25 survived. Chief Johnson reported that the residence in the area, the newspaper man, the milk man, and the mailman got cancer. The nurse, who treated some 47 victims at the Sacred Heart General Hospital now Community Hospital, was affected by the chemicals which were transported on the clothes of the responders.
We were informed that the site was owned by Melvin Wade and used for a tire plant but the site was also being used for dumping chemicals. The site in Chester was compared to other chemical disasters in this country like Love Canal, Times Beach, and Taku Garden communities, all chemical disasters covered up. A number of companies were involved in the Wade chemical dumping. On the scene, all of the chemicals were on fire. They saw the dirt burning and the ground blowing up. In a 2002 FEMA report, Wade Dump was named the most toxic site. The laws about chemical storage have now changed because of the Wade Dump.
The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote an eight part series called Beyond the Flames about the event. The book includes information and pictures of the Toxic Fire of 1978. While sharing some of the stories of responders who have now passed on, a student recognized one of the responders. “That’s my Pop Pop,” she yelled out in surprise. Rudell “Rudy” Hollis was her grandfather. He has since passed from the chemical exposure. The History of Chester course and the lecturers made a connection. They have bridged generations to make a deep and lasting effect on students. Thank you Mr. Richard and Chief Johnson for coming out to Chester High School to share your personal insights about the Toxic Fire of 1978 tragedy.
For further information on the Toxic Fire of 1978, read Beyond the Flames online at:
I enjoyed that they gave us some background history on chester.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming out.
The lecture that was discussed was very interesting and informing.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed learning about my city's history on how a big fire changed people's lives and how they live today in the city of chester. I loved learning about how a toxic chemical so small the size of a piece of grain maybe smaller micro small can kill thousands or more in years time causing all times of cancer all and other diseases such as skin cancer, lung cancer, etc.
ReplyDeleteI like the historical story of the fire in 1978 but it was a crazy situation the fact people died from the toxic chemical.
ReplyDeleteIsnt melvin wade still in chester? It would be great for the students to meet the man who owned the factory. Are they going to bring him in to talk to the students? If not, why not?
ReplyDeleteMr. Roots, I do not know the answers to your questions. I do not teach the History of Chester Course. Honestly, I was reporting on an important story in the history of Chester. And considering, I believe I reported on the story objectively.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment.
The comment wasn't directed to you. It was to your readers who are associated with the school district. You did an excellent report of the event. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the compliment. Your comment is appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI would like to find Melvin wade and make him pay for all the lives he has claimed over the years. he is nothing but a complete failure as man and as buissman. and you Stefan roots are an ass
ReplyDelete