About 50 people were evacuated from apartments at about 11:09 p.m. Sunday in the 1400 block of West Smith Street in Kent after multiple reports of breathing problems by residents.
The hazardous materials team from the Kent Fire Department took air samples and determined the odor was caused by pepper spray, according to a Kent Fire Department media release.
Residents reported an odor that seemed to be causing breathing difficulty and the first Kent fire units to arrive reported about 50 people had exited the apartment units, just east of 64th Avenue South.
Additional fire personnel and the hazardous materials team were dispatched to the scene. Fire department personnel used large fans to clear the pepper spray from the building.
One resident with a history of respiratory problems was transported to a local hospital by family members. All other residents safely returned to their apartments.
Fire officials did not report any information about the source of the pepper spray.
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