Fire at Ultra Life continues
See photo table at end of story

A morning fire and explosion at Ultralife Batteries Inc . on Route 88 south of Newark continued to be deemed a potentially dangerous situation as of 3:30 p.m.

Xerox Corporation's Haz-Mat Team was on site attempting to deal with the situation through the use of special hazardous material emergency techniques.

The problem is Lithium, a highly unstable element used to manufacture some of Ultralife's batteries, which was stored in barrels at the south end of the building at the former Stuart Park. Water is not effective in controlling a Lithium fire. Authorities at the site were still weighing options at 3:30. Large amounts of sand were being trucked in and a tractor trailer from Safety Clean Co. labeled "haz-mat" had just arrived.

All Wayne County Public safety officials, as well as Newark and area Fire Departments are on the scene. Many Rochester television stations have crews at the location.

Many concerns have been raised about the welfare of area students that were competing in a cross country event on the grounds this morning. These students were present at the time of the explosion. While no injuries were reported, several were later transported to Clifton Springs Hospital for observation due to complaints of headache and sore throats. No other information is available at this time.

Residents of the South Hill area of Newark, as well as the areas 'down wind' of the site, were advised to stay in their homes, but if they did not feel safe in doing this, the Alex Eligh Community Center would be available, and the Red Cross would be there to assist. Click on the photos below to view in larger size. Photos by Dick Colacino and John Zornow

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