1 hospitalized, apartment units evacuated in hazmat incident in central Fresno, officials say

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Federal Investigators and the Fresno Fire Hazmat Unit responded quickly to a housing complex on Blackstone Avenue near Illinois on Thursday morning for a hazardous materials call that looks to be tied to fentanyl.

Eric was enjoying his day, watching TV in his apartment at the Fresno Housing Authority complex, when he began to smell something strange around 10 a.m.

"Like if someone poured bleach and some ammonia together. It was a strong smell like that. You can smell it and feel it when you breathe," said Eric.

He says he alerted the main office, and they contacted authorities immediately.

In a matter of minutes, the Fresno Fire Hazmat Unit arrived on Blackstone and Illinois avenues.

Josh Sellers with Fresno Fire says crews found two people feeling sick, with a couple even vomiting.

One of them was taken to Community Regional Medical Center and another was treated on scene.

Four units were evacuated.

"They suspect possible fentanyl. They've also identified other narcotics that were found in the building, so the hazmat team is working with county health to make the scene safe," said Sellers.

Staff at the complex conducted their own test in search of fentanyl and it tested positive.

Fresno Fire and the Drug Enforcement Administration took that information and further investigated.

Authorities confirm that although there were no drugs on site, two of the four units impacted had paraphernalia, believing there is proof of fentanyl use.

Sellers says they also searched for gas leaks or other potential chemical exposures but didn't find anything.

Eric says he's lived here for about two years.

He is thankful that what happened was in broad daylight, not while he slept.

"I want to be here. I got grandkids that I want to see grow up and have kids," said Eric.

The DEA is urging everyone to steer clear of the deadly drug.

"It truly is a game of Russian roulette with taking or using fentanyl," said Peter Vainauskas with the DEA.

The scene was cleared by 1 pm, and those evacuated were allowed back into their apartments.

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