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The release of a small amount of a toxic gas led the fire department's hazardous management team to suit up earlier today.

St. Louis city police and fire crews responded to a late morning call to a building at McPherson and Skinker which is in the process of demolition.

Deputy Fire Chief Mike Harris explains how some anhydrous ammonia was released. "There was an old refrigeration unit in the basement and likely there was residual anhydrous and either it was heated with his cutting or just trapped and released," said Harris.

Harris says anhydrous ammonia is lighter than air and in small amounts like this, dissipates quickly. No gas escaped the building. He says every precaution is used on each of these calls. regardless of the extent. All crews worked in Hazmet suits today with two hazardous management vehicles on site.

There were no injuries. 

The release of a small amount of a toxic gas led the fire department's hazardous management team to suit up earlier today.

St. Louis city police and fire crews responded to a late morning call to a building at McPherson and Skinker which is in the process of demolition.

Deputy Fire Chief Mike Harris explains how some anhydrous ammonia was released. "There was an old refrigeration unit in the basement and likely there was residual anhydrous and either it was heated with his cutting or just trapped and released," said Harris.

Harris says anhydrous ammonia is lighter than air and in small amounts like this, dissipates quickly. No gas escaped the building. He says every precaution is used on each of these calls. regardless of the extent. All crews worked in Hazmet suits today with two hazardous management vehicles on site.

There were no injuries. 

People parking in the Central West End have a new way to pay at meters.

The newly-installed meters will accept credit cards. It is part of the "No Change, No Problem" campaign. The new meters will be unveiled at a ceremony tomorrow at the corner of Euclid and Maryland.

More information can be found at the City Treasurer's website here.

 

A Central West End apartment building that was the scene of a massive fire last July is set to reopen.

The 3949 Lindell Apartments had housed about 250 professionals and SLU graduate students when it burned. It had taken more than 160 of firefighters from the city and county to put it out.

After seven months, the first phase of the rebuilding is complete. Units in back part of the complex are now ready for renters.

Construction on the front half of the complex, where the fire started, should be finished by August.

The cause of the blaze has never been determined.

The 3949 apartment building has set up a Facebook page to keep the community updated on the status of the building.

Police have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection to a recent attempted robbery in the Central West End.

Corie Harvey has been charged for allegedly pushing a woman to the ground and then searching her coat and pants pockets. Police were nearby when the attack happened on Monday night, but were not able to capture Harvey.

The victim was not injured in the attack.