One person was taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation after a contracting crew working on a heating unit at the Winslow Animal Clinic released potentially hazardous refrigerant fumes.

Almost all of the 20 or so people in the building immediately evacuated the premises after the hazmat spill.

Two clinic workers remained inside because a dog was receiving anesthesia.

The workers were soon escorted out by emergency responders from the Bainbridge Island Fire Department, and a clinic employee later said all of the animals from the clinic were quickly removed after the mishap.

Bainbridge Island Fire Chief Hank Teran said nine people were evaluated for medical problems after the incident, which occurred just after noon Tuesday.

Multiple units, including three engines and two aid cars from the Bainbridge Island Fire Department, responded to the scene.

“We arrived, we searched the area to make sure no one was left inside, we ventilated the area and then called a Navy hazmat team to confirm the readings inside,” Teran said.

Bainbridge police closed Wallace Way at Blue Heron Drive and Ericksen Avenue at Knechtel Way to traffic during the incident.

More than a dozen employees gathered under the gazebo at the nearby park as firefighters used a huge fan to ventilate the building. One woman could be seen holding a dog in a blanket as clinic workers waited for firefighters to give an all-clear signal.

Streets were reopened about an hour after the incident.