'Volatile' Chemicals Prompt Shelter-In-Place Order In Berkeley Neighborhood: Officials

BERKELEY, CA — Toxic photography lab chemicals at a home in North Berkeley have prompted city officials to issue a shelter-in-place order for people within a one-block radius.

Several streets in Berkeley's Thousand Oaks neighborhood were shuttered Monday morning as workers prepared to remove the chemicals.

The following streets were closed:

• Colusa Avenue between San Lorenzo and San Pedro avenues
• Capistrano Avenue between Ensenada Avenue and Laurel Lane
• Tacoma Avenue between Ensenada Avenue and Laurel Lane
• San Pedro Avenue (westbound traffic) between Laurel Lane and Colusa Avenue.

The shelter-in-place order was issued, according to city officials, to "keep residents safe as Berkeley Fire, Berkeley Police, and neighboring agencies protect the area," as workers look to remove the photography lab chemicals that have become "toxic, heat-sensitive, and volatile.:

"To keep you, your household, and others safe, you will not be able to come and go," city officials said in a statement Monday morning. "Remember to bring your pet’s food, leash/harness, medications, and any other items you might need to care for your pet."

City officials say residents should have left their homes by 10:30 a.m. or remain inside. It's unclear when the order will be listed. People should keep an eye out for an AC Alert notification once it's all clear to return home, Berkeley city officials said.