Chemical Explosion Causes Evacuation Of Fontana Neighborhood
FONTANA (CBS) — A Fontana neighborhood was evacuated Sunday as a precaution against an exploded chemical that caused several people to become overcome and sick.
The explosion happened on the 1700 block of Vine Street, according to San Bernardino authorities.
According to officials, a half-dozen homes were evacuated as a precaution.
After an unknown chemical exploded, one resident called about a foul odor. Others complained about feeling "sick."
Rachel Kim, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, said that a "dangerous combination of high heat and chemicals" caused the explosion.
A HazMat squad determined the chemical, being stored in a five-gallon container, was filled with an oxidizer.
Several other containers with the oxidizer were also removed from the area and will be disposed of.
Kim was told that a resident was painting his car and the chemical used hardens the paint.
According to Chris Prater of the San Bernardino County Fire, the chemical became "unstable" due to the high heat.
He also said no injuries were reported.
Residents were allowed back into their homes after the chemical was removed.
