Chlorine leak leads to the evacuation of Sudbury school

On their Facebook page, the Sudbury Professional Firefighters Association said they were called last Wednesday morning to Felix Ricard Elementary School on Lasalle for a smell of diesel. (Supplied)

An elementary school in Greater Sudbury ended classes for the day last week after an apparent chlorine leak.

On their Facebook page, the Sudbury Professional Firefighters Association said they were called last Wednesday morning to Felix Ricard Elementary School on Lasalle for a smell of diesel.

"On initial arrival, there was a very strong smell of chlorine within the building on the main floor," the post said.

"The decision was made to evacuate the school for the safety of children and staff."

At least six kids were feeling unwell and the smell of chlorine was strong on the main floor and around the gym.

"The hazmat team responded to the incident and specialized chlorine detectors were used to determine the extent of the issue," the post said.

"Luckily there were only minor amounts detected within the school at the time."

The biggest problem crews faced on scene was properly ventilating the space, the firefighters said.

"Chlorine is more than twice as heavy as air and likes to sit in low-lying areas. After eight hours on scene and extensive ventilation, the school was locked up for the evening."

Crews returned the following morning to once again monitor the school for chlorine gas and to ensure everything was fine.

"The scene was released to the school board with the recommendation to have it thoroughly cleaned prior to the return of the school students and staff," the post said.