ABC30 evacuated after letter releases strange smell

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Our studios here at ABC30 were evacuated after a letter was opened in the newsroom and released a strange smell, making some employees nauseous.

It happened around 11:45 Tuesday morning, when one of our employees opened some mail, a three-page letter from the Chowchilla Women's Prison. Employees reported a strange smell coming from the letter and called 911.

The entire staff was evacuated and a total of five fire engines were dispatched to the station. Authorities tested the mail and determined it was safe for employees to return to work.

Michael Alforque, Special Operations Chief-Fresno Fire, said, "We are unable to locate any visible problem. And our crews were able to isolate the envelope, put it in a sealed Ziploc bag, and turn it over to PD for further testing in a lab."

The two employees who came in contact with the letter were evaluated and are doing okay.