Credit: Fort Myers Fire Department Crews from South Trail Fire and Rescue responded to the BluePearl Pet Hospital on Saturday afternoon for a “hazmat situation.” Staff in the surgery center noticed there was a problem and everyone evacuated the hospital at 9500 Marketplace Road, said South Trail Public Information Officer Amy Bollen. The investigation determined this to be a gas leak. The gas is used to sterilize surgical equipment, so employees noticed it quickly and were able to call the fire department. Bollen said Lee County Domestic Animal Services were on scene as a precaution but BluePearl later said that all patients are safe. BluePearl released a statement about this situation: “Today, an unexpected gas leak occurred in BluePearl Fort Myers’ surgical suit. At this time, the cause of the leak is unknown and is being investigated. All patients in the hospital were housed outside of the surgical suit when the incident occurred. This particular gas, which is used to sterilize highly specialized surgical equipment, aerates quickly, so our team was able to quicklydetect the leak. We immediately executed a precautionary evacuation, and theFort Myers Fire Department was called. The leak was resolved shortly after the fire department’s arrival. At this time, all Associates and patients are healthy and safe.BluePearlpatients were immediately assessed by our expert emergency and critical care staff upon reentry into the building. There are currently no concerns for the wellbeing of our Associates or patients. Our team has notified all clients and is happy to answer any questions or concerns they may have regarding today’s event.”