The east tower of Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa has been evacuated and the surrounding streets shut down after noxious chemicals coming from the pool area sent two workers to hospital.
The Victoria Fire Department responded to reports at 7:36 a.m. of workers in the pool area feeling sick with runny eyes.
Chemical alarms used by firefighters went off detecting toxicity in the air, said Victoria Fire Platoon Chief Jeff Zigay.
There is no fear at this time that the chemicals would combust, causing a fire or explosion, according to fire officials. The issue is the toxicity in the air.
The east side of Parkside resort, at Humboldt and Blanshard streets, near the pool is evacuated and the surrounding roads are shut down.
Now its a matter of keeping the public away and dealing with the product, Zigay said.
The Capital Regional Districts hazmat team is on the scene.
The chemicals involved are those used in maintaining and cleaning the pool but what we dont know is what combination has been mixed up to cause the problem, Zigay said.
Fire officials continue to investigate, but are assuming at this time the chemicals may have been mixed incorrectly or in the wrong proportions.
That appears to be the problem, Zigay said.
