A report of an order inside the Linden High School has prompted a response from fire, rescue, and hazmat crews this morning.
Shortly after 10 a.m. an odor was reported in the school's cafeteria.
According to reports, school has been dismissed after several individuals in the building reported feeling ill.
Captain James Sarnicki could only confirm that an unknown odor caused several staff members to feel ill. Linden Fire Department and County Hazmat are currently on scene.
The Linden Board of Education issued the following statement:
*This morning several cafeteria staff workers reported feeling ill while in their work area at Linden High School. The Linden Fire Department responded and recommended an evacuation pending clearance from the Union County Hazmat team.*
*As a result, we instituted our evacuation/relocation plan and moved students from the main high school building to the athletic field. At 10:58am it was determined that all Linden High School students would be dismissed for the day.*
*This situation is still being investigated and further updates will be provided.*
According to officials, hazmat has demmed the building save.
Although it is not certain what caused the odor, school officials believe the workers may have been exposed to pepper spray but say the odor has since dissipated.
All tests have come back negative for chemicals, carbon monoxide, etc.