HazMat clears Centretown building after ‘chemical-like spray’ released

Four people had a negative reaction to a noxious spray released in a multi-storey unit in Centretown on Monday.

Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) said paramedics told them “chemical-like spray” was released on the top floor of a six storey building.

OFS said they dispatched their Hazardous Materials (HazMat) team to the 300 Block of Somerset Street West at about 5:50 p.m.

In the initial call to firefighters, paramedics said four people were complaining of coughing and burning in their chests.

Firefighters brought the tenants downstairs and into the care of paramedics. A HazMat team then entered the building and took readings. OFS determined someone released pepper spray into the building.

OFS left the scene in the care of Ottawa police.