NEW BEDFORD — On Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, at approximately 4:21 a.m., the New Bedford Fire Department was notified by a fire alarm monitoring company of ammonia system alarms at Waterfront Cold Store, a waterfront cold-storage facility at 12 Fish Island that fire officials said contained numerous potential hazards.
According to the New Bedford Fire Department, Engine 1, Engine 6, Ladder 1, Unit 2, Hazmat 1, Inspector 2, and Chief 2 responded to the scene. Upon arrival, Unit 2 detected ammonia and requested assistance from the Massachusetts State Hazardous Materials Response Team, emergency medical personnel, the state departments of environmental protection and public health, and the Providence Canteen.
The incident was quickly elevated to a Tier 2 active ammonia leak, and the facility was evacuated. Three employees were inside the building at the time, the New Bedford Fire Department reported.
The state hazardous materials team entered the building multiple times to locate and secure the leak with assistance from New Bedford firefighters. Firefighters deployed a hose line and several fans to support decontamination and ventilation operations while maintaining a Rapid Intervention Team, the New Bedford Fire Department said.
New Bedford firefighters also helped hazardous materials personnel access the roof and other difficult-to-reach areas of the facility.
No injuries were reported.
