Industrial Fire Forces Evacuation in Burbank
A fire at an industrial plating company Saturday night forced authorities to evacuate a three- to four-block area around Chestnut and Mariposa streets, where they feared toxic fumes from the blaze could endanger residents, authorities said.
More than 75 firefighters and three hazardous materials teams fought the blaze at Alert Plating Co. that was first reported about 6:30 p.m. said Mike Hand of Verdugo fire communications.
Hand said trace amounts of cyanide gas--about one part per million--were detected in the air, but that such a level is not considered dangerous.
A level of 10 parts per million or greater is believed to be unsafe, Hand said.
An unknown number of residents was evacuated to a center at Disney Elementary School, Hand said.
The evacuations were precautionary, he said.
Fire officials are investigating the cause and origin of the blaze.
No damage estimate was immediately available.
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