Hazmat call prompts Fresno PG&E call center evacuation

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The PG&E call center in Downtown Fresno was shut down following a hazmat call on Saturday morning.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the building at O Street near Ventura Avenue shortly after 10:30 a.m.

PG&E spokesman Denny Boyles said workers were putting tar on the roof of a vacant adjacent building, and the fumes spread into the call center, which does not have any windows that can be opened. As a precaution, a supervisor ordered all employees to evacuate the call center.

Fresno Fire Battalion Chief Chuck Tobias said there were 12 patients with symptoms consisting of difficulty breathing, nausea and dizziness. He added that five people were transported to the hospital.

Two hazmat teams went inside the building to monitor the air and make sure no other chemicals were to blame.

The Fresno County Department of Public Health was advised of the situation.