Pumpkin Spice Scent Forces Baltimore School Evacuation

BALTIMORE, MD — A private high school in Baltimore City was evacuated Thursday afternoon as the result of a suspicious odor that reportedly turned out to be a seasonal air freshener.

Officials at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School said five people were taken to the hospital as a precaution following the 2:30 p.m. disturbance, which was a strange odor on the third floor of a school building.

The Baltimore City Fire Department and hazmat personnel responded as a precaution.

Watch: Pumpkin spice scent prompts Baltimore school evacuation

According to Fox 45, the offensive odor was a pumpkin spice air freshener.

School officials said that classes would continue as usual on Friday at the high school in the 400 block of Chester Street in Canton.

Here is the report from Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, posted on its Facebook page Thursday afternoon:

"We are happy to report that our students and faculty are safe. This afternoon, Cristo Rey Jesuit was evacuated because of a suspicious odor. Emergency personnel including the HAZMAT team of the Baltimore City Fire Department assessed the safety of our students and our building. Authorities have since deemed the building safe.

"Today’s events were a practice of the Jesuit characteristic of Cura Personalis – “Care for the whole person.” As our community came together we recognized and responded positively to the situation for the well-being of our students and faculty. We are proud of how our faculty, staff and students exemplified great leadership during this situation.

"We thank you for your concern during this time, for an official update on school activity please refer to the CRJ Homepage."

This is the update on the school's homepage posted Thursday evening:

"10/5/2017 5:40 PM: At approximately 2:30 PM today, students on the third floor of Healy Hall reported a strange odor. Principal Reap activated the School Emergency Plan and students and staff were safely evacuated. Once outside, students were provided access to restrooms and water. Emergency personnel, including the HAZMAT team of the Baltimore City Fire Department, quickly arrived to assess the safety of our students and the building. Emergency medical technicians evaluated several staff members and students, some of whom were treated on the scene. Five members of our community were transported to area hospitals as a precautionary measure. After extensive testing, the BCFD determined that the building was safe.

"Classes will resume tomorrow, Friday, October 6, 2017. Sophomores who are working downtown may wish to come directly to school if they need to pick up items that were left behind. Our CIP Team will provide transportation for those students. Mrs. Sylvia Doud, our School Counselor, will be available to meet with any students that may need to talk about today's events. I would like to thank our faculty and students for their patience and leadership. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Principal Reap."

Image of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School via Google Streetview.