Authorities urged evacuations within 6 miles of a manufacturing plant Wednesday after a chemical release in a rural area of California’s San Joaquin Valley.
Emergency crews responded around 10 a.m. following reports of a hazardous materials spill at Taft Manufacturing Co., the Kern County Fire Department said.
An estimated 250 gallons of liquid acrolein leaked from a tank although it didn’t leave the plant, fire Battalion Chief Brandon Smith said at a news conference.
Among other things, acrolein is used in the preparation of polyester resin and polyurethane. Vapors from the chemical can cause eye, nose and breathing irritation.
A phone message left at Taft Manufacturing was not immediately returned.
No injuries were reported but several dozen plant employees were evacuated. Authorities also recommended evacuations for people living or working within 6 miles of the plant and went door to door advising them to leave.