A suspicious substance sent via mail to a Riverside County government office building Friday prompted first responders to evacuate the location, though the material ultimately turned out to be harmless.
Staff at the county Department of Public Social Services’ satellite office at 1400 Minthorn Street, just west of Interstate 15, discovered the powdery substance shortly before 2 p.m. and called 911, according to the sheriff’s department.
Deputies and firefighters arrived minutes later and learned that the envelope had been left on a desk. Two people were exposed to the powder, though they were not adversely affected, according to reports from the scene. About 30 people were evacuated from the building while a hazardous materials team investigated.
The hazmat unit examined the contents of the envelope and determined that it posed no threat. There was no word on what it was.
About 3:30 p.m., the building was reopened for business, and operations resumed for the remainder of the workday, according to county officials.
DPSS provides a range of services under state and federally mandated assistance programs.