A dangerous chemical leak in Orange County prompted widespread evacuations after yellow smoke began filling the atmosphere on Tuesday.
First responders and hazmat teams rushed to a site at 334 S Cypress St in La Habra, where a hazardous reaction involving nitric and phosphoric acid was reported.
Emergency officials have mandated the evacuation of residents and businesses within a mile radius of the incident.
Locals were initially advised to shelter in place when firefighters spotted smoke coming from a commercial building.
José Medrano, the Mayor of La Habra, announced on social media that the Los Angeles Housing Department and the County Fire Department are investigating the leak in the 500 block of South Cypress.
“All areas east of Euclid St to Harbor Blvd and Cypress St between La Habra Blvd and Lambert Rd are blocked off; evacuations are in progress, so please avoid the area,” he said in a recent update.
Officials are urging that the yellow plume contains potentially toxic fumes, prompting anyone in its path to seek shelter indoors, close windows, and turn off HVAC systems if an immediate evacuation isn’t feasible.
Reports indicate that at least one person has suffered minor injuries, while three others are being evaluated by paramedics for varying levels of discomfort.
Fire crews are actively trying to pinpoint the source of the leak, thought to be a compromised storage tank, to manage the chemical reaction before the smoke spreads to nearby neighborhoods.
