Chemical leak from air conditioning causes evacuation of Cherokee County courthouse

Hazmat teams have responded to a chemical leak that caused the evacuation of the Cherokee County Justice Center on Friday afternoon.

Authorities say the situation began around 1:20 p.m. when Cherokee County E-911 received a smoke alarm activation at the government building on North Street in Canton.

Fire crews who arrived at the courthouse noticed smoke and started a full alarm, leading the building to be evacuated while firefighters searched the area.

While no fire was found, officials say they discovered that a line that was part of the main air conditioning system of the building has ruptured, causing a hazardous film that coated three floors.

Hazmat crews were able to stop the refrigerant leak and remain on the scene.

Officials say no injuries have been reported and there is no active threat to the community.