A chemical reaction on Wednesday forced the evacuation of a Maine Medical Center linen processing facility in Westbrook.

Crews from Westbrook and surrounding towns were called to the building at 53 Scott Drive shortly before noon after an employee identified a chemical reaction that was creating substantial heat and vapors in the building, according to hospital officials.

Matt Paul, a spokesman for Maine Medical Center, said no one was injured and no one required medical attention. There were 24 employees in the building at the time.

“Fortunately, they caught it very quickly and followed evacuation protocol,” Paul said.

Paul said officials are still trying to identify the chemicals that reacted. Operations at the facility were shut down for the day.

Westbrook was assisted at the scene by crews from Scarborough, Gorham, Windham and Standish.


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