Skip to content

Hazardous substance prompts evacuation of RCMP detachment

The Red Deer RCMP downtown detachment was evacuated on Monday afternoon after hemlock was dropped off in the building’s lobby.Red Deer Emergency Services responded to the scene after 2:30 p.m. with a pumper, truck and trailer and an ambulance.

The Red Deer RCMP downtown detachment was evacuated on Monday afternoon after hemlock was dropped off in the building’s lobby.

Red Deer Emergency Services responded to the scene after 2:30 p.m. with a pumper, truck and trailer and an ambulance.

Platoon Chief Gord Klootwyk said the hazardous waste was dropped off without malicious intent and the building was evacuated as a precaution.

Hemlock is a highly poisonous flower native to Europe and North Africa.

A police news release said a citizen brought in hemlock for destruction, but no harm was intended.

The Red Deer RCMP was closed as a result but reopened by 4:30 p.m.

Emergency services personnel dressed in hazardous material gear before going inside the building. A large mat was laid down in front of the building and a fire hose was connected and set up in front of the detachment’s entrance. Police officers were outside of the building.

Police said the attendance by Red Deer Emergency Services was a precautionary measure to ensure safety of all staff and RCMP members in the building.

The hemlock was disposed of safely.

Police would like to remind people if they have a known or potentially hazardous material that they are encouraged to contact poison control for direction of how to handle or dispose of safely. For the Alberta Poison and Drug Information Service, call 1-800-332-1414.