Airgas to get at least a $100,000 bill from the city for fighting Monday's fire

While investigators look for the cause of Monday's fire and explosions at Airgas, we know the gas distributor can expect a big bill from the city of Tulsa. <br><br>Under a new ordinance, approved

Friday, August 22nd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

While investigators look for the cause of Monday's fire and explosions at Airgas, we know the gas distributor can expect a big bill from the city of Tulsa.

Under a new ordinance, approved July 31st, the Fire Department can now bill the company for the costs of the hazardous materials response. We're told more than 250 emergency personnel and 17 fire trucks went to Monday's blaze. That could cost Airgas more than $100,000.

But if you ever need a haz mat team's help, you won't necessarily get a bill. Tulsa Fire Captain Hubert Rouse, â€œAccidental spill at the pump where you maybe lost a little gas, where sometimes we are called to clean up a gas spill. That is not the intent of the ordinance to hit the consumers, citizens on that."

Airgas will be first in Tulsa to receive such a bill.