Members of the Elkhart Fire Department Hazmat team suit up in preparation to investigate the cause of the anhydrous ammonia odor at Home City Ice, North Webster. (Photos by Deb Patterson)

NORTH WEBSTER — An odor of anhydrous ammonia at Home City Ice, 7056 N. SR 13, North Webster, has caused no evacuations of area businesses or residences at this time. The odor is reportedly on the east side of the building and in the building itself. Wind direction and humidity levels are being monitored.

North Webster Fire Department was notified of the odor at 4:52 a.m. today, Wednesday, Aug. 10, and arrived to secure the scene. Because Kosciusko County has no hazmat team, protocol is to notify Elkhart City Fire Department for its team to arrive at the scene and investigate.

Two members of the team began their recon investigation at approximately 7:50 a.m. North Webster Fire Department is standing by at the scene. Turkey Creek Fire Territory Fire Chief Mickey Scott escorted the hazmat team to the scene.

According to information received the company uses anhydrous ammonia in the ice making process.

Turkey Creek Fire Territory is on the scene and will conduct decontamination procedures.

The North Webster Fire Department and the Elkhart City Hazmat team are on scene at Home City Ice, 7056 N. SR 13, North Webster, investigating a strong smell of ammonia. It is reported it might be anhydrous ammonia.