Concord fire and rescue teams, along with city officials, are investigating an ammonia leak that occurred at the Everett Arena on Sunday afternoon. Around 3:30 p.m., the Capital Region fire dispatch was alerted to an ammonia alarm activation at the arena. Upon their arrival, firefighters and EMTs discovered that nearly everyone inside the ice rink had already been evacuated. The building supervisor informed the firefighters that the alarm had detected a release of 1,000 parts per million of ammonia. Fortunately, no medical issues were reported among those who had been inside the building at the time of the incident.

During their initial assessment, firefighters learned that one individual was still inside the building, as confirmed by scanner chatter. Crews quickly entered the facility to locate and assist the individual, ensuring their safe evacuation. To determine the source of the leak, firefighters utilized specialized meters. By 3:45 p.m., they confirmed the presence of ammonia and determined that the leak was contained within the pump room. The specific quantity of ammonia released remained unknown, but efforts were already underway to manage the situation. A city official informed the fire commander that an attempt was being made to shut off the leak remotely.

Readings taken by in-house meters showed an ammonia concentration of 104.2 parts per million within the pump room. As a precaution, the room was sealed to limit further exposure, and the fire commander requested additional resources, including a second engine, to support the operation.

At approximately 4 p.m., firefighters sealed off the entire building to prevent any potential hazards. Fifteen minutes later, they expanded their safety measures by evacuating the parking lot surrounding the facility. Around 4:30 p.m., a fire commander reported that a contractor was en route to address the issue and requested police assistance at the scene to support the ongoing response efforts.

Firefighters worked diligently to secure the area and manage the situation. By just after 5 p.m., some crews were released from the scene, indicating that the immediate threat had been contained and the situation was under control.

The Everett Arena has been a part of Concord’s community for decades. Built in the mid-1960s, it became city-owned in the early 1980s and continues to serve as a recreational hub for residents. This incident underscores the importance of swift emergency response and preparedness in safeguarding public safety at such facilities. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the leak and to ensure preventive measures are in place moving forward.