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March 11, 2008
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Irritant forces guests to lobby of L.A. hotel
Department: LAFD - [Los Angeles, California]
On Tuesday, March 11, at 4:09 AM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team and LA County Health Haz-Mat, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Greg Gibson responded to a Hazardous Material Investigation at 930 Wilshire Boulevard in the Metro Center/Financial District of downtown Los Angeles.
When Firefighters arrived on scene they were notified that occupants on the 10th floor of the Wilshire Grand Hotel were complaining of a "pepper spray" type smell. Firefighters in full protective gear ascended to the 10th floor where they evacuated approximately 100 people, until the source of the smell could be identified and confirmed as pepper spray. The residents were relocated to the lobby area and evaluated by Paramedics.
In all, seven people were complaining of burning eyes and itchy throats, consistent with pepper spray exposure. Fortunately, none of the patients required transportation or suffered any serious effects from this exposure.
Los Angeles Firefighters along with LAPD and Los Angeles County Health Haz Mat determined that the substance was a pepper spray type of release. The circumstances of the release are under investigation. The occupants of the 10th floor were allowed to return after the lengthy investigation concluded.
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