PANORAMA CITY : Fumes Force 90 to Flee Site; Incense Blamed

About 90 people were evacuated from a two-story building after they were nauseated by fumes coming into their offices through air ducts, authorities said.

A hazardous materials crew was called in to aid in the evacuation and determine the nature of the fumes.

It was determined that the odors were not life-threatening, and it turned out that the fumes were from candles and incense being burned at two separate businesses in the building in the 14500 block of Titus Street. The fumes, detected at about 8 a.m., did not become overpowering to building workers until three hours later, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Bob Collis.

Paramedics treated about 15 victims complaining of nausea and eye irritation at the scene. Three were treated and released at nearby hospitals, Collis said.

Amy Baltldano, a secretary at MID Personal Services, which prepares immigration and tax forms, said an incense candle was lit in her office by her boss and “the essence just went all over.”

That, in combination with a religious shrine containing candles and incense located in a upstairs herbal shop called Naturismo Nutricion, caused the fumes, said Collis.

“That stuff stunk,” said Shirley McGuire, a secretary at Counseling Career Center. “If that was incense then I don’t know who would buy it.”

Workers were allowed back into the building about 2 p.m., Collis said.