Chemical fire in San Jacinto, California, evacuation orders for east Hewitt Street residents

A chemical fire broke out on Saturday morning in San Jacinto, California. Authorities are responding to the incident and firefighters are at work at the spot to contain the fire. 

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department said that the fire broke out at 2:12 am in the 800th block on Shaver Street. 

“Strong chemical smell in the area. Firefighters located a pool of chemicals leaking from a large shipping container. Hazmat and cleanup crews are on the scene,” the fire department’s first tweet said. Hazmat is the hazardous materials crew.

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A care and reception center has been established at the San Jacinto High School on 500 Idyllwild Dr street. And evacuation orders have been issued for east of Hewitt Street, South of 7th Avenue, North of Shaver Street and West of Camino Los Banos.

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EVACUATION ORDER issued for the #KeshaIC Hazmat in San Jacinto. A care and reception center is being established at San Jacinto High School: 500 Idyllwild Dr. San Jacinto, 92583

The shaded area on the attached map image shows the area impacted by the evacuation order,” the tweet said.

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An Evacuation Warning was also issued on the South of Main Street, West of Jacinto Avenue, North of Esplanade, and East of Ramona Expressway. 

“10:20 am – EVACUATION ORDER and EVACUATION Warning issued for the area. Evacuation Order Area: South of 7th Street, E of Hewitt St, N of E Evans, W of Timothy. Evacuation Warning Area: S of Main St, W of San Jacinto Ave, N of Esplanade, E of Ramona Expy.” the tweet said.

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A resident of the adjoining neighbourhood told news outlet KTLA that there was a chemical smell in the whole area all morning. The resident also said that everyone in the neighbourhood received an alert on their phones shortly after the incident was reported. 

This is a developing story and more details will be added.