A chemical spill in downtown Toronto closed a section of one of the city's busiest areas for several hours on Wednesday evening.

Fire and emergency crews were called to 42 Charles St. E., near the intersection of Yonge and Bloor streets, to deal with the spill of some chemicals at a local YMCA.

According to fire officials, the chemicals — part of a science class — were being transferred from one room to another when they were spilled.

As a precaution, firefighters in full haz-mat suits were called to clean up the spill.

The Toronto Fire Department treated the situation as a 'haz-mat level three,' which requires the use of special clothing as well as the evacuation of buildings adjacent to the incident.

Emergency officials say there is no threat to the public.