A strong odor that alarmed staff at a Riverside elementary school Friday prompted an evacuation of the campus, where a hazardous materials investigation failed to uncover anything harmful.
The hazmat emergency was reported just before noon Friday at La Granada Elementary School near the intersection of Gramercy Place and Tyler Street, according to the Riverside Fire Department.
Capt. Tyler Reynolds said that two engine crews, a ladder truck, paramedic squad and hazardous materials unit were sent to the location and found that all students and staff had safely evacuated.
Tyler said an “air monitoring” station was set up in the building from which the oppressive odor had emanated.
“There were no reported illnesses or injuries because of the suspicious odor,” the captain said.
He said the hazmat team “made entry using self-contained breathing apparatus and specialized equipment to locate any potential hazards.”
“The team ultimately determined the area free from hazards, and the all-clear was given to staff,” Reynolds said.
It was unclear whether school let out early for the day as a result of the disruption, which lasted until 2 p.m.
There was no immediate word on a possible source for the odor.