HVAC Issue Causes Brief Evacuation From Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory

SAN LEANDRO, CA — Workers had to briefly evacuate the Ghiradelli Chocolate Factory Monday afternoon because of smoke, along with a light haze.

Alameda County firefighters investigated and identified the problem as an HVAC issue. According to the department, "Employees from the entire plant self-evacuated as a precaution while firefighters worked closely with building engineers to quickly isolate the problem."

As they cleared the scene, they tweeted, "Chocolate is safe." In fact, the incident did not interrupt the production of chocolate.

There were no reports of injuries.

--Images via Alameda County Fire