White Powder Coats Maine Gas Station

Authorities are trying to figure out what caused a Maine gas station’s fire-suppression system to discharge, sending one woman to the hospital in an ambulance with respiratory problems.

There was no fire reported at the Irving Circle K station, yet about 50 nozzles in the roof over the fuel-pumping area sent a powerful plume of white powder over people and cars just after noon on Sunday.

Skowhegan Fire Chief Tom Keene says the powder is not considered toxic but can case temporary breathing problems.

Keene tells the Morning Sentinel one woman was taken to the hospital by ambulance and two others went by private vehicle. All had respiratory complaints.

He spoke with a technician from the fire extinguisher company, who did not know what happened.