THUNDER BAY - A white powder found inside a bank has been deemed non-hazardous by fire officials who conducted an investigation on Wednesday.
Emergency responders recieved a 911 call from the bank at around 1 p.m.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue deputy chief Greg Hankkio said the white powder was observed during a money exchange.
The response, which also included the Thunder Bay Police Service, resulted in Red River Road being closed between Algoma and Court streets. The road is now open to the public.
"I wouldn't classify it as a false alarm," Hankkio said. "We have to take these situations very seriously for the best interest of the public."
Hankkio, speaking to tbnewswatch.com Wednesday afternoon, said the response team relied on a sample substance to visually compare it to the white powder inside the bank.
Firefighters entered the building with hazmat gear to contain the substance. They confirmed through a police forensic unit that the substance was not explosive.
Bank workers were evacuated and examined by emergency medical responders. All workers were determined to be symptom-free.
