Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
June 14, 2011
Contact:
Mr. George Johnston
Phone:
(206) 262-6005
E-mail:
george.johnston@wsp.wa.gov
Faulty Fire Sprinkler Forces Evacuation at WSP Crime Lab
Seattle -- A malfunctioning fire sprinkler forced the evacuation of the Washington State Patrol’s Seattle Crime Lab facility yesterday around 2 p.m. Seattle Fire Department responded shortly after the alarm sounded and were able to shut the sprinkler system down and stop the flooding.
The leak occurred in a freezer used to store evidence. The evidence was moved to other locations within the lab that were unaffected and allowed to dry.
“We do not know the extent of the damage from the leak,” said Jim Tarver, Seattle Crime Laboratory Manager. “We are still trying to assess what happened and what we need to do to get the lab back on track. At this time, we do not know the extent of damage to the evidence that was in the vault. However, it is likely that some evidence has been damaged and may not be suitable for examination. After we know more, we will contact agencies whose evidence has been impacted and discuss options.”
The investigation into the malfunction of the sprinkler system will be conducted by the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office.