Hazardous Chemical Leak Leads To Eastern RivCo Evacuations

BLYTHE, CA – Eastern Riverside County Hazmat crews responded to a chemical leak that erupted from a commercial building in the unincorporated area of Blythe early Friday. Evacuations were ordered, but by 10 a.m., the leak was quelled and residents were allowed to return to their homes, the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department shared.

Shortly before at 3 a.m. HazMat fire specialists and firefighters were called to the 10000 block of Santa Fe Road, where they were able to identify the source of the leak, according to a Cal Fire spokesperson.

The leak, determined to be from anhydrous ammonia inside the building, was contained. During the incident, residents in the immediate area were temporarily evacuated until the leak was halted, according to the fire department.

Evacuated residents were able to reenter their homes hours later, and Hazmat crews would remain on the scene, likely until noon.

No one was injured as a result of the leak or subsequent evacuation, according to the department's social media statement. The cause of the leak remained under investigation as of the time of this report.