The park received a report of an unidentified odor at the Wawona Hotel just before noon on August 18th. Firefighters and rangers responded to the hotel to determine the cause, extent, and identity of the odor emitting from a second story room above the main lobby. The found seven people complaining of respiratory difficulties and throat irritation, two of whom reported that they’d become nauseated and vomited. Ultimately, a dozen people were treated at the scene and released. Fire units established command and declared a potential hazmat incident. Initial efforts were focused on medical treatment, evacuation, securing the perimeter and denying further entry. Patients were isolated and decontaminated in the process. Structural firefighters utilizing full PPE and a gas detector entered the hotel, searched for additional victims, and attempted to find the source of the irritant. No additional victims were discovered and a source could not be identified. After consultation with the Mariposa County health officer, a Class A hazmat team was ordered from the Merced County Fire Department through the California Emergency Management Agency. Team members were also unable to identify any type of health hazard. The hotel was reopened to the public around 7:30 p.m. after further consultation with the county health officer and hazmat team leader. Further investigation by rangers revealed that the irritant was bear repellent. The investigation continues. In all, six different agencies responded to the incident, providing an excellent exercise for the California mutual aid system.
