Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

Bear Spray Canister Triggers Hazmat Response at Vancouver Island Return-It Centre

Five people received treatment after an employee accidentally crushed a bear spray canister, causing evacuation and a hazmat response at the Return-It Centre, officials said.

  • On the afternoon of Sept. 2, a bear spray canister was accidentally crushed at the Courtenay Return-It Centre, triggering a large emergency response.
  • The incident occurred because staff and patrons were inside the depot when the compressed canister released its contents, causing respiratory irritation.
  • Emergency crews evacuated the building and used gas detectors, which showed negative air readings, while paramedics and fire crews helped decontaminate affected individuals.
  • Jonathan Welsh described the call as 'quite severe' with 'multiple patients unconscious,' and paramedics treated five people affected by the irritant spray.
  • The event highlights the importance of using designated hazardous waste disposal dates at Comox Valley sites to prevent similar accidents.
Insights by Ground AI
Does this summary seem wrong?

12 Articles

Smithers Interior NewsSmithers Interior News
+7 Reposted by 7 other sources
Lean Left

5 people treated after bear spray canister releases inside B.C. recycling centre

Paramedics treated five people following a hazmat incident at the Courtenay Return-It Centre on the afternoon of Sept. 2.

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 100% of the sources lean Left
100% Left

Factuality 

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Comox Valley Record broke the news in Courtenay, Canada on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
For You
Search
BlindspotLocal