Local

Pepper spray causes hazmat response, evacuations at Northgate Mall

A Seattle fire hazmat team was called to Northgate Mall Wednesday morning after multiple people there complained of an irritation caused by an unknown substance.

Fire officials said the irritation was reported near the Nordstrom entrance to the mall. Other areas in the mall that were affected by the substance were evacuated as a precaution.

Seattle fire said they identified the substance as pepper spray.

As of 11 a.m., the fire department was still asking people to avoid the area.

Video from Chopper 7 showed numerous people outside the Nordstrom entrance and fire engines at the scene.

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