Hazardous Gas Leak Disrupts Ortega Highway Laboratory

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — An ammonia leak caused evacuations at an Orange County laboratory and spurred over 50 firefighters and the hazardous materials team to the scene Friday morning, Orange County Fire Authority said.

Though workers did not see or feel the detrimental effects of ammonia poisoning, an internal alarm alerted them of the danger, OCFA Capt. Steve Horner told Patch. The commercial laboratory business, located in the 33000 Block of Ortega Highway, evacuated approximately 150 workers, he said.

"Alarms activated at approximately 9:45 a.m. Friday, alerting employees to leave the building," OCFA Capt. Steve Horner told Patch. When ammonia is present, symptoms can include an onset of lightheaded-ness or burning sensation, as the chemical is very strong in gas form, he said.

The HazMat team, in full protective gear, made entry into the business.

'They located and stopped the ammonia leak, using instrumentation to find and stop the leak. Then, they made sure the building was clear of any other hazards before it was returned back to supervisors.

"There were no reported injuries to employees or firefighters," Horner said.

OCFA Photos