Bag of evidence sickens 6 at Thermal Sheriff Station

6:00 p.m. The six patients were treated and released at the scene. Hazmat crews are still try to identify the chemicals.

4:30 p.m. Riverside County Sheriff’s Department say that Cal Fire was incorrect all six patients were only evaluated at the Thermal Station. All remain on scene under evaluation at this time.

4:00 p.m. Update: Cal Fire says incident occurred after a deputy opened one of three bags of an unknown substance to be processed inside the Riverside Sheriffs Department Thermal office. Six patients were evaluated after becoming ill. Resources on scene were able to contain the contents to one room. Three patients will be transported in mild to moderate condition via ground ambulance to an area hospital. RSO will be taking lead on the hazmat with CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire assisting.

3: 30 p.m. Update: The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department confirms that they got a call around 12:30 p.m. of a suspicious package at the La Quinta Cove Post Office. That package was transported to the Thermal Sheriff Station. Hazmat crews were called in to investigate an unknown substance. Cal fire now says that 6 people are being evaluated.

(original story)

Cal Fire confirms that they have been requested to send Hazmat response to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in Thermal.

The station located on Airport Boulevard, called for help at 2: 30 p.m. for some unknown reason. Cal Fire confirms that at least five people are being evaluated by medical staff on scene, but they are still not saying what the hazmat is.

Cal Fire says that they have contained the unknown problem to one room. The Sheriff Department has not confirmed the incident.

Check back for updates.