Fourteen people were treated for the effects of pepper spray Monday morning after an assault in the Department of Social and Health Services Office on Southwest Seventh Street.

Fire crews were sent to the office at about 10:50 a.m. for a person complaining of shortness of breath, according to Renton Fire and Life Safety.

A mass-casualty incident was declared after firefighters determined that there were multiple individuals who came in contact with the spray, which can cause temporary blindness when it touches the eyes. It’s used as a defense or to subdue suspects in a crime.

Called in were medics, four fire trucks and five ambulances.

The Renton Police Department wasn’t notified of the incident until mid-day on Tuesday and an officer was dispatched to take a report, according to Renton Police Commander David Leibman.

Details of the assault weren’t immediately available.

Three of the 14 patients were taken to a hospital for further evaluation, according to the fire department.

Here are some tips from the fire department for dealing with pepper spray:

• If you get pepper spray in your eyes, you will experience an extreme burning sensation. Immediately rinse your eyes with fresh cool water. If the burning persists or gets worse, seek medical attention. Never rub your eyes.

• If you get pepper spray on your face or hands, wash with a mild soap.  Pepper spray can be easily transferred. If you have pepper spray on your hands, do not touch your face. Avoid touching your face for at least an hour after washing your hands. Lemon juice can help neutralize the pepper spray on your hands.

• If pepper spray is discharged inside or spilled from a leaky sprayer, you may notice burning eyes, scratchy throat, and runny nose. If this happens, open windows and doors to get fresh air circulating in the room. It may take a few hours for the air to completely clear.