A Bristol fire police officer is dead following a three-alarm fire at a chemical plant in Bristol, Bucks County.
The fire at the Rohm and Haas Plant owned by Dow Chemical started around 3:45 a.m. when lightning struck two large chemical storage tanks used to house chemicals to make paint, investigators say.
Fire officials tell NBC10's Byron Scott that fire police captain Dave Wintz was directing traffic at the scene, but felt ill and went home to call an ambulance. He was rushed to Torresdale Hospital where he died.
Wintz, who was in his 60s, had been with fire service for almost 50 years, officials say.
Two firefighters were also taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Residents in the area are being advised by fire officials to limit their exposure to fumes from the fire and Bristol Boro Schools canceled classes for the day. Around 12:30 p.m., the U.S. Postal Service announced that no mail will be delivered in Bristol. Mail delivery will resume on May 17.
Hazmat crews remain on the scene. The plant is shut down until repairs from the fire are made.
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