Listen Now!  (2:40 Minutes)

Download the MP3  (0.9 MB)

• More Redlands Daily Facts Podcasts
• Podcast/iTunes FAQ
• Download the Latest iTunes Software

Clinic evacuated - Roofing tar vapors forces staff and patients of Beaver clinic outdoors

REDLANDS - A Beaver Medical Clinic at 1600 East Citrus Ave. was evacuated Friday after roofing tar fumes drifted inside and affected staff and patients.

"They were tarring the roof, and it seems like the tarring process got picked up into the (air conditioning system) and wafted the odor into the structure," said Redlands Battalion Chief Jim Topoleski.

Tthe clinic was evacuated at about 11 a.m. Friday as the tar fumes began to affect the people inside . Firefighters and paramedics used the clinic's parking lot to do medical checks and perform first aid on the evacuees.

Topoleski said 15 people, some dressed in Halloween costumes, were treated for nausea, coughing and headaches. Two people were taken to nearby hospitals via ambulance.

Abel Avila, owner of Abel Roofing, the company applying the roofing tar, said he has never had a problem with roofing tar fumes in the past. The Beaver Medical Clinic takes up a small section of the 10,000 square foot building at 1600 E   Read Full Article...