Hydrogen Cyanide Leak Shuts Down Neighborhood

Authorities issued a shelter in place for the area around the 3900 block of Santa Rosa Avenue late Wednesday afternoon.

Thousands of residents in area were ordered to stay inside while crews investigated a potential hydrogen cyanide leak, according to the Sonoma County Fire District.

Roadways were closed for about half a mile on Santa Rosa Avenue between Todd Road and Mountain View Avenue, according to the Press Democrat.

Authorities lifted the order shortly at 6 p.m. and a spokeswoman said the leak was no longer a public hazard.

Residents as far north as Healdsburg received alerts about the shelter in place.

Hydrogen cyanide is considered particularly dangerous because it is a fast acting, lethal poison that functions as a chemical asphyxiant.