By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Rain caused an early Tuesday fuel spill into a creek at Hurley Park, fire officials said.

The rain filled up in an underground kerosene tank located behind a home in the 800 block of North Craige Street. The rain essentially pushed the fuel out and into the creek, said Fire Chief Bob Parnell.

The Salisbury Fire Department responded to the home around 6:30 a.m. after receiving a complaint of an odor of fuel. Fire crews used absorbent pads and absorbent booms to try to contain the spill.

Parnell said an estimated 50 gallons spilled into the creek and onto the nearby golf course. He said the house is up for sale and not believed to be occupied. He did speak with the homeowner.

The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources was contacted about the spill.

The fuel is not flammable and is not dangerous, Parnell said.

A hazmat clean up company, Contaminant Control Inc. — Environmental, which has an office in Salisbury, began the process around 8 a.m. The clean-up process was expected to continue at the park into the early evening and a crew will likely return Wednesday.

Jose Villegas and Kevin Catalan-Perez used a rake to push the absorbent pads around the water and collected the soiled pads. The men made their way around the lake placing the pads into the water and lifting them once the fuel had soaked them.

In addition to the Salisbury Fire Department, the Rowan County Fire Marshal also responded.