Iodine spill at RD1 shuts Fox St

SOAPY MESS: Featherston fire crew hose down the remains of a spill of iodine detergent from the rear of RD1 on Saturday, the result of vandalism during the night. PHOTOS/ANDREW BONALLACK WTA021113ABSPILL04

A section of Fox St in Featherston was cordoned off on Saturday afternoon while fire crews and police assessed an iodine spill from farm suppliers RD1.

A drum of iodine teat spray, classified as hazardous, had been tipped over during the night by vandals, said Featherston chief fire officer Colin McKenna.

The spill had run across the rear entrance, over the sidewalk into the gutter and towards Waite St.

RD1 had contained the spill with sawdust, but a fire service hazard unit and police were called in to ensure safety.

Mr McKenna said it was really just a clean-up job, but precautions had to be taken.

"It wasn't RD1's fault. Young locals jumped over the fence and tipped over the drum," he said.

Deputy chief fire officer Kevin Lett said the vandals were lucky in their choice of drum to push over. "The other drums were corrosive and toxic," he said.

Mr McKenna said if any of the iodine spilled on the vandals it would be very noticeable - and difficult to remove. The fire crew returned in the evening to treat and hose down the surface spill.