Suspicious package delivered to Saskatoon school latest in series of hazmat scares

Saskatoon police say a suspicious package delivered to Buena Vista School contained non-hazardous material.

More than 240 students were evacuated from the Lorne Avenue school Thursday afternoon after police received a call about the package.

Multiple police vehicles and the Saskatoon Fire Department's hazardous materials team responded to investigate.

Four school staff and one police officer who came incontact with the substance had to be isolated and examined for any effects.

The fire department sent two "encapsulated" hazmat technicians into the school to investigate.

While the substance has not been identified, the fire department said the contents were not hazardous.

Latest in series of scares

A white powder scare in November cost police and fire crews $66,000.

The hoax sent police and more than 40 firefighters to five separate businesses across the city.

Alexa Emerson pleaded not guilty to charges of mischief and uttering threats in relation to the incidents. She has yet to go to trial.

On March 16, the top floors of a Saskatoon office tower were evacuated as hazmat teams responded to another suspicious package. The substance inside the package was deemed to be benign.

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Assistant fire chief of communications WayneRodgersaid white powder hoaxes are a drain on resources because the incidents have to be treated as a "worst-case scenario" until the substance is identified.

"We do take this very, very seriously, and due to the nature of this, and the other calls, the SPS [Saskatoon Police Service] is working vigorously on their investigation to try to find out where these are originating," he said.

Despite repeated false alarms, Rodger said crews could not dial back their response.

"All it takes is one instance to be something of significance where the product actually could be harmful and we certainly don't want to be second-guessing our role and our responses to these," he said.

'When this happens, it's scary'

Parents were earlier being advised that their children can be picked up at the Saskatchewan Abilities Council building at 1410 Kilburn Ave.

"When this happens, it's scary and we want to make sure that our parents and our students are not panicking and that they understand that we have things under control," said Saskatoon publicschool board superintendent Brent Hills.

Police said the investigation is continuing and more information will be provided as it unfolds.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Saskatoon police at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.