What would happen if I set off 18 foggers?

By RUTH RENDON
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

HITCHCOCK ?- Two people were treated and released today following an small explosion at a local apartment complex.

Hitchcock police Officer LaDonna Sauceda, a maintenance man and a resident at the Mesquitewood Apartments at 5809 Delaney were setting off foggers for pest control when the small explosion occurred shortly before 8 a.m.

"Eighteen (foggers) were found in the two-bedroom apartment," Sauceda said. "The fumes overtook the pilot light in the hot water heater causing an ignition."

The explosion caused the bricks to come off the side of the building and the water pipes to burst, she said.

"They didn't follow the instructions of one fogger per room," Sauceda said.

The maintenance man and resident were taken by ambulance to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where they were treated and released for minor burns to the face and upper chest area.

The eight surrounding apartment units sustained damage and were condemned.