On September 16 at 4:51 p.m. the Monterey Park Fire Department responded to 330 N. Atlantic Boulevard in the City of Monterey Park for a report of a bee swarm.
Monterey Park Fire units from Fire Station 61 responded to the incident. Upon arrival, fire units encountered patrons in the parking lot running for shelter as a swarm of bees had aggressively begun to attack them. Fire department personnel advised all patrons of the Ralph's supermarket to remain inside and shelter in place until the swarm had subsided. Upon arriving on scene and immediately rendering aid to the citizens being attacked, four Monterey Park firefighters sustained upwards of 100 bee stings each. Firefighting foam was used to control the swarm and no other swarms were reported.
Two citizens and four firefighters were transported to local hospitals for multiple bee stings. It is estimated that each was stung between 50-100 times. All were evaluated, treated and released.
The location of the hive was identified and sealed by Monterey Park Fire personnel. The cause of the swarm is unknown.
Media Contact
Division Chief Matt Hallock, PIO, Monterey Park Fire Department
MHallock@montereypark.ca.gov
626-307-1270
www.montereypark.ca.gov
