‘Chemical leak’ at Surrey’s Guildford Recreation Centre turns into a false alarm

After Mounties and fire crews in Surrey responded to an apparent chemical leak at Guildford Recreation Centre, fire crews have since confirmed it was a false alarm.

Police initially said a chemical leak was taking place because of a “machinery malfunction” after staff and patrons reported “sore throat and eyes, and irritation in the air.”

One person was taken to hospital in an ambulance as a precaution, and the centre was evacuated while Surrey Fire Rescue Service crews wearing hazmat gear investigated.

Deputy Chief David Burns tells CityNews that crews weren’t able to find any noxious materials or leaks.

“They tested all areas of the buildings and detected no leaks or chemicals,” he said.

“Any of the patrons that were inside the pool were decontaminated and assessed by BC Ambulance.”

Burns adds that crews didn’t find out exactly what irritated or affected staff and patrons.