Skip navigation

Anti-bear spray discharge closes Alaska airport

Accidental move forces evacuation after mist gets into ventilation 

updated 8:06 p.m. ET Sept. 27, 2008

JUNEAU, Alaska - The airport serving Alaska's capital city doesn't have to worry about bears coming around anytime soon.

Juneau International Airport had to be evacuated Friday afternoon because of an accidental discharge of anti-bear spray.

The chemical comes in a canister like pepper spray but is used to defend against attacking bears.

Story continues below ↓
advertisement | your ad here

Fire Chief Eric Mohrman says the spray spread through the building via the ventilation system. The terminal had to be cleared and the building aired out. One person was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

The airport reopened after about an hour and a half.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Resource guide