La Habra authorities order evacuations after chemical leak

A hazardous chemical leak in La Habra, Orange County, triggered mandatory evacuations and shelter-in-place orders on Tuesday. The incident involved a plume of smoke, described as yellow or orange, rising from a commercial building near the 500 block of South Cypress Street.

Emergency responders and hazmat crews identified a dangerous reaction involving nitric and phosphoric acid, potentially stemming from a compromised storage tank. Mayor José Medrano announced that authorities blocked off areas between Euclid Street and Harbor Boulevard, as well as Cypress Street between La Habra Boulevard and Lambert Road.

At least one person sustained minor injuries, and paramedics evaluated three additional individuals experiencing physical distress, though reports indicate those individuals declined hospital transport. The Los Angeles County Fire Department worked to contain the leak and manage the toxic fumes to prevent further spread into surrounding residential and industrial neighborhoods.