HAZMAT team investigates suspected fentanyl exposure at Fresno apartment complex
A hazardous materials team descended on a downtown Fresno apartment complex following a suspected case of possible fentanyl exposure.
Fresno Fire Department spokesperson Josh Sellers said authorities received reports of a strange odor coming from a building near Blackstone and Illinois avenues around 10:15 a.m.
When firefighters arrived, Sellers said they found two people coughing and vomiting. One was treated at a nearby hospital.
“Right now, the HAZMAT team is on scene working with Fresno PD and American Ambulance, as well as County Health, to identify exactly what the source is,” Sellers said.
Sellers said authorities suspect possible fentanyl exposure, though other narcotics were found in the complex.
A total of four apartment units were evacuated, and the rest of the complex is sheltering in place. It’s unclear if the two people who experienced symptoms were inside the same unit.
While authorities are on scene, Blackstone will be closed between McKenzie and Voorman avenues, Sellers said.
“Whether or not the narcotics or fentanyl is the primary cause is unknown right now, but they want to make sure the building is safe,” Sellers said amid the HAZMAT investigation.
