Downtown Globe evacuated due to hazmat situation involving Picric

GLOBE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Several buildings in downtown Globe have been evacuated after an unidentified substance that is considered potentially volatile was found on Wednesday.

According to the City of Globe, all downtown buildings from Sycamore to Mesquite Streets and Pine to Hill Streets were evacuated after the substance was found in a storefront near Oak and Broad Streets.

The evacuation was done as a precaution. The Arizona Department of Public Safety hazmat team was brought in to remove the substance.

Just after 2 p.m., City of Globe officials stated, "The DPS Hazmat team is now on the Broad site. Two other potential sites have been identified as having the hazardous material, and are within the evacuated area. At this time, it has been determined that the evacuation area need not be expanded. All safety precautions are being taken to ensure the public's safety."

According to Linda Oddonetto, the Public Information Officer for the City of Globe, the substance in question is Picric acid. According to the NIH Open Chemistry Database, Picric acid is largely used as an explosive and a chemical reagent in metallurgy.