Fire officials warn after mixing of chemicals incidents result in hospital trip, fire damage

Officials are warning the public after this past weekend the Rehoboth Fire Department responded to two odd incidents where the result of mixing of chemicals had unintended consequences.

The first incident was the result of a homeowner mixing Simple Green and Clorox Bleach to be used as a cleaner. The homeowner was overcome by the resulting fumes and required treatment and transport to the hospital.

The second incident was the accidental combining of towels covered in acetone and bleach. The combination of these two chemicals caused a reaction which resulted in the towels catching fire. Luckily, they were moved outside where the owner was able to put the fire out resulting in only minor damage to their deck.

RFD stated that both incidents individually were a rare event but having two only days apart, is an even rarer occurrence.

The Department wanted to remind the public that these chemicals alone, even being used for their intended purposes, can be dangerous. Mixing them can cause unexpected and unpredictable results.