Brown Deer Pick 'n Save HAZMAT response, store evacuated

BROWN DEER - The Brown Deer Pick 'n Save grocery store was evacuated on Friday due to what officials said was a mercury spill.

According to North Shore Fire/Rescue, the spill was found outside the building. The store was evacuated and closed as first responders investigated. Officials said there were roughly 20 employees working at the time, and they were checked at the scene as a precaution.

According to an answering machine message, the store is still closed as of Saturday, March 30.

One employee had elevated levels of mercury, officials said, and was evaluated and treated by paramedics at the scene.

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The Milwaukee Fire Department's Regional Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) team responded. Personnel in protective gear could be seen entering and exiting the store. Officials said crews are checking how mercury may have been dispersed in the store, and if any products may have been contaminated. 

Crews remained at the scene for approximately seven hours. It was then turned over to Pick 'n Save and a private contractor fo further cleanup and testing. 

Hazardous materials response at Pick 'n Save in Brown Deer

It is unclear if any customers may have come in contact with the mercury.

Statement from Pick 'n Save:

Our Pick ‘n Save Brown Deer location is temporarily closed. A safe shopping environment is our top priority, and we are working with the local fire and health departments as we address a substance found during routine cleaning of the exterior store area earlier today.

We will be reopening the store as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, our nearby locations include Pick ‘n Save Good Hope (7401 Good Hope Road) and Metro Market Glendale (6969 N. Port Washington Road) and Online shopping for home delivery is also available through our website at picknsave.com.