Emergency crews respond to man’s hazardous chemical reaction in 4S Ranch

On Thursday, March 6, at 9:37 a.m., firefighters from the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District, along with San Diego Fire Department, County Hazmat, and Camp Pendleton Hazmat, responded to the report of hazardous materials in the 10000 block of Sienna Hills Drive in 4S Ranch. Upon arrival they were met by a waste management truck driver who had been overcome by fumes and vapor while loading refuse into his truck during regular residential curb-side pick.

Emergency crews in full protective gear quickly secured the area around the truck and waste bins, telling residents of about 12 homes to shelter-in-place. Hazmat crews worked to neutralize the chemicals, determined to be pool chemicals, and properly disposed of them. The shelter-in-place order was lifted at 12:10 p.m. The waste management driver was treated and released at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation by San Diego County Department of Environmental Health.

The incident serves as a reminder that household hazardous waste should be disposed of properly in a safe manner. For more information , please call the County of San Diego Household Hazardous Waste Hotline at 877-713-2784.