A fire suppression system inside a hangar at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston malfunctioned on Thursday morning, causing foam to pour onto the adjacent tarmac and covering car doors parked nearby. The incident created chaos and was captured in pictures posted by FOX 26 Houston, showing a United Airlines hangar surrounded by a fire-suppressing substance. The foam reached the tops of vehicles such as pickup trucks, SUVs, and cars, creating the appearance of a cloud. Even airport equipment like stairs and trailers were partially covered.
According to a statement from the airport, the malfunction resulted in the inadvertent release of biodegradable PFAS-free fire suppression foam in a United Airlines hangar off Wright Road at approximately 5:30 a.m. The airport immediately activated a multi-layered mitigation plan, with United Airlines leading the clean-up efforts. The Houston Fire Department, Houston Airports, and Houston Public Works are providing support in the clean-up process.
Fortunately, there were no people or aircraft inside the hangar when the foam was released, and there were no reported injuries. The incident also did not impact the travel operations at Bush Intercontinental Airport.
United Airlines issued a statement identical to the airport’s when asked for comment. Both entities are working together to address the situation and ensure a thorough clean-up process.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and checks on fire suppression systems to prevent such malfunctions from occurring. The airport authorities and United Airlines are taking appropriate measures to rectify the situation and ensure the safety of future operations.
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