San Carlos Hotel Evacuation

On Friday January 22, 2010 just after 1:30 pm, a report was received of an unknown chemical odor in the basement of the San Carlos Hotel, 106 East 1st Street. The odor was coming from a liquid leaking from old pipes in the basement and causing eye/skin irritation to employees that came near it.

First responding Yuma Fire Department personnel confirmed a heavy smell of fuel like vapors. Due to the unknown nature, or concentration of the substance, the hotel was evacuated as a precaution. 55 residents of the apartments were initially moved to the nearby Adult Center.

YFD Hazardous Materials Technicians were called to the scene. Due again to the unknown nature of the materials, preparations were made for technicians to enter the basement with protective suits and self contained breathing apparatus. A team entered the basement and collected samples for analysis.

The substance was found to be a type of fuel oil, possibly a leftover from the buildings old heating system pipes. The fumes were not found to be flammable, but capable of causing significant eye irritation. As of Friday night, the San Carlos management began working on arranging the clean-up necessary for the residents to return to their apartments.

The San Carlos management found lodging for the residents in area motels for the night. The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army were contacted and also provided assistance with feeding the displaced residents.

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