FFD encourages residents to not mix household chemicals

Published on August 27, 2025

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Fayetteville Fire Department (FFD) responded to a preventable hazardous materials incident and warns residents that mixing or misusing household chemicals can be extremely dangerous. Residents, especially youth, are strongly discouraged from attempting these types of activities with any type of chemical agents.

FFD responded to a reported fire alarm on Aug. 22 at approximately 7:57 p.m. on Lambert Street in the Haymount neighborhood. Firefighters arrived to find what appeared to be “light smoke” coming from the residence, prompting additional fire department resources to be dispatched.

Upon arrival and initial investigation of the scene on Lambert Street, the occupant stated that they had been attempting to heat copper sulfate on the stove to “make crystals” as seen in related social media content. Upon entry into the residence, chemical agents were found heated and off-gassing.

Several videos circulating on social media depict individuals’ attempts to grow “crystals” by mixing various chemicals, including household cleaning/maintenance products. These online trends sometimes depict the use of harsher chemical agents commonly found in cleaning and home maintenance supplies.

Initial reports indicated a drain cleaning product was involved in the Aug. 22 incident. Copper sulfate is a product known to be used to clear drain lines in residential septic systems of tree roots among other uses. When heated, it can produce sulfur oxides, which are pungent, colorless, toxic gasses.

Neighboring units were immediately evacuated and the FFD Hazardous Materials Team responded to the scene. On-site air monitoring confirmed the presence of sulfur oxides and all residents and responders exposed to the scene were decontaminated following mitigation of the incident.

School-based science experiments use ingredients like salt, sugar, or borax and are safe in controlled environments under proper supervision. However, mixing home chemicals or the misuse of existing chemicals, can have dangerous and even life-threatening consequences similar to this incident.

FFD stresses the importance of working smoke alarms in every residence. Residents can obtain a free smoke alarm by contacting the FFD at (910) 433-1116 or contacting any fire station in the city of Fayetteville.

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