Engines from The Jackson Fire Department and CAL FIRE pull up to the scene of Bank of America in Jackson Wednesday evening as people head outside to escape a potentially dangerous fume. Photo by: Scott Thomas Anderson

Last-minute check deposits had to wait Wednesday evening as Bank of America was shut down by emergency responders. The incident was sparked by several employees detecting a noxious odor drifting through the bank around 4: 15 p.m. The unknown vapor left some employees feeling ill and others complaining of headaches. Eventually, a call went out to 911.

The Jackson Police Department, Jackson Fire Department and CAL FIRE quickly responded to the scene. Employees and customers were brought outside while fire fighters systematically explored the interior of the bank.

Some customers arriving from the back entrance chose to ignore the confusion and do their banking at the ATM machines. A few customers waited patiently to see if they would be allowed back inside the bank to finish their monetary missions.

All employees who had complained of illness where looked over by paramedics from American Legion Ambulance Service before being cleared to go home. None appeared to have suffered any lung injuries. A number reported feeling better after standing outside in the fresh air.

"It's a mystery," Jackson Fire Captain Frank Tremaine announced after his men and women had thoroughly inspected the building. "It's not clear if what was making them feel sick was omitting from the heating system or some place else. We just can't be sure at this point."

Management at Bank of America decided to close for the rest of the day.