100 Escape Toxic Cloud in Santa Ana Blaze

An unpredictable toxic cloud, formed by a heat-induced combustion of chemicals, prompted fire officials to evacuate nearly 100 residents of Villa Grande Mobile Home Estates in Santa Ana on Sunday after a fire erupted downwind at a fertilizer and pesticide storehouse.

The fire broke out at 1:30 p.m. at Kuida Farm Supply Co. Inc., 711 S. Grand St., and was contained within 10 minutes, Capt. John Jason of the Santa Ana Fire Department said.

“Quick action prevented something that could have been very, very bad,” said Fred Davis, a member of the department’s hazardous-materials team.

Chlorine gas was one of the poisonous byproducts formed and released in the air as a result of spontaneous combustion of insecticides and fungicides in the hot storeroom, Davis said. Burned chemicals included various insecticides and fungicides.

The result of such a combustion is known to firefighters as a “witch’s brew” and is hard to predict, he said.

“This is something that really hasn’t been tested,” he said.

Residents were in danger until the vapor dissipated, Capt. Gary Summers said.

Wearing chemical suits, the hazardous-materials team was brought in after the responding firefighters complained of nausea, Jason said. No firefighters were directly exposed to the fumes, and no residents reported feeling ill, officials said.

Easterly winds at 5 to 10 m.p.h. in the direction of the mobile home park caused officials to evacuate residents in about 80 units, or half the park to the clubhouse. They were released at 2:50 p.m.

Jason said he was concerned about the effects not only of toxic fumes but also of sweltering heat.

The fire is considered an accident, and no investigation is under way, Summers said.

Evacuees “all received it very nicely,” assistant park manager Louise Conner said.

Residents were evacuated once before, five or six years ago, when there was a similar incident at the pesticide supply warehouse, she said, but no illnesses were reported.

“I didn’t smell anything,” said Joyce Justesen, who took refuge in the clubhouse with her husband, Dale, and their cocker spaniel, Amanda.

“I worked in a chemical plant all my life, so I don’t smell anything,” Dale Justesen said.