Attleboro, MA - The Attleboro Fire Department responded to a report of suspicious containers discovered on Clifton Street beneath the Interstate 295 overpass on Thursday, March 12, at approximately 10 a.m.

Upon arrival, firefighters located two containers, each holding roughly five gallons of an unidentified dark liquid. Crews also noticed a foam-like substance forming around the containers, raising concerns that a chemical reaction might be occurring.

As a precaution, officials closed a 300-foot section of Clifton Street while emergency personnel assessed the situation. The department requested a Tier 1 hazardous materials response, and a Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Hazmat Team arrived on scene around 10:45 a.m.

Hazardous materials technicians collected samples from the containers and conducted field testing to identify the substance. Initial results indicated there was no immediate danger to the public. Further testing later confirmed the liquid was mineral oil consistent with hydraulic fluid.

Attleboro Fire District Chief Michael Maitland noted that incidents involving unknown substances must be treated with caution. He explained that until testing is completed, responders cannot determine what chemical may be present or how it might react, and such materials can pose serious health or fire risks depending on their composition.

After confirming the substance was not hazardous, the Attleboro Health Department arranged for proper disposal of the material.

No injuries were reported, and emergency crews cleared the scene at approximately 11:45 a.m.

The Attleboro Fire Department reminded residents to dispose of chemicals and hazardous materials responsibly. Communities throughout Massachusetts regularly host household hazardous waste collection days to provide residents with a safe way to discard such materials.