Bonita library scare, evacuation a false alarm

A discharged fire extinguisher caused a hazardous material scare and an evacuation of the Bonita Springs Public Library this morning.

An employee at the 26876 Pine Ave. library found a powder substance near her desk around 9:50 a.m. The call prompted a hazardous material evacuation of all employees at the library while crews with the Bonita Springs Fire Department investigated, said fire department spokeswoman Debbi Redfield.

It turned out that the powder came from a nearby fire extinguisher. Late last week employees used the same extinguisher to put out a small mulch fire outside of the library, Redfield said. The extinguisher was not completely discharged when returned indoors. When someone bumped into it Monday it discharged a bit, Redfield said.

No one was injured and all employees were allowed back into the building after a short time. There were no patrons at the library, as it had yet to open.

The call originally came in as a fire, but there were no signs of smoke or fires, Redfield said.