Three evacuated amid orange haze, nitric-phosphoric acid leak in La Habra

Emergency responders evacuated residents and businesses within a one-mile radius of 334 S Cypress St in La Habra, California, after detecting a yellow-orange haze linked to a reported leak of nitric and phosphoric acid.

Chemical incident escalates to explosion risk

Fire crews in Orange County spent hours stabilizing a 34,000-gallon tank holding volatile chemicals. Officials warned the situation could culminate in a massive explosion before confirming the tank had been secured.

Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesperson Caitlin Aldana stated that both the identity of the leaked substance and the source of the leak remain unknown. Three individuals present at the site declined hospital transport.

Shelter-in-place order issued

La Habra Mayor José Medrano urged residents to shelter in place and confirmed targeted street evacuations were underway. The affected zone includes a mix of residential neighborhoods and industrial warehouses, located approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Anaheim.

Social media images showed what appeared to be an orange mist or aerosol suspended in the air. The incident occurred on Tuesday in southern California.

The Associated Press reported the event.