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George Bush Intercontinental Airport incident: Fire suppression foam accidentally released at hangar

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Updated  February 1, 2024 7:42pm CST
Houston
FOX 26 Houston

United Airlines hangar spill creates foam fiasco

A massive accidental release of firefighting foam inside a United Airlines hangar at Bush Airport in Houston has sparked environmental concerns, as cleanup crews race to address the aftermath and mitigate the impact on public safety

HOUSTON - If you saw all white covering a hangar at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, it wasn't snow!

According to the airport, around 5:30 a.m. biodegradable PFAS-free fire suppression foam was released in a United Airlines hangar off Wright Road.

"Because of its high expansion properties, it was high as 30 feet. So this stop sign behind us was covered with the foam, all of the vehicles were covered as well," said Michael Mire, the chief of operations for the Houston Fire Department. 

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A mitigation team was immediately activated and environmental teams with United are leading the clean-up with the help from the Houston Fire Department, Houston Airports, and Houston Public Works.

"The good news is, this is the newer foam that is PFA free, so it’s safer for the environment, and it should not be cancer causing," said Mire. 

Officials say no people or aircraft were inside the hangar this morning.

The foam will have no impact on travelers flying in and out of Bush.