A spill of fire retardant has occurred on the northbound lanes of Route 11 between Jacquet River and Charlo, as confirmed by the provincial government. The province issued an update on Facebook on Thursday around noon, reassuring the public that the spill poses no threat to humans or the environment. Approximately 50 to 100 liters of fire retardant spilled over several kilometers and has since dried, according to the update.
Authorities advise the public to stay alert for personnel present at the spill site. The incident, initially reported by the province at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, is attributed to a contractor working for the Department of Natural Resources. Fire retardant, containing ammonium polyphosphate as its primary component, is commonly used to impede the advancement of fires and is also utilized as a fertilizer.
The spill has resulted in a residue described by the province as a “vividly colored solution.”