BAKERSFIELD, Calif., On Wednesday morning, at 5:24 a.m. Kern County firefighters were dispatched to a report of a hazardous materials leak at Taft Manufacturing Company on S. Lake Rd. Firefighters made contact with the reporting party via cell phone, and after gathering information, requested a full hazmat response, including KCFD´s Hazmat Response Team. As Engine 21 arrived on scene, a vapor cloud within the facility could be seen from a distance.

Every year, firefighters train and pre-plan for emergencies at this facility, in part, due to its storage of a hazardous chemical called Acrolein. Armed with this knowledge, crews contacted all nearby businesses and advised them of the situation and to evacuate. Genasys Protect and ReadyKern were utilized to send out a message for individuals nearby to shelter in place. 

The Hazardous Materials Response Team suited up and made an entry into the facility to perform a recon and investigate. These firefighters navigated through several gates and made their way to the area where the vapor cloud, which had now dissipated, had been seen. Fortunately, as they monitored the air with atmospheric monitors, specifically acquired by the KCFD to detect Acrolein, no readings of hazardous gas were found. A 375 pound cylinder that was the source of the earlier vapor cloud was thoroughly checked and no active leaks were discovered. The atmosphere was clear and there was no hazard. As a precaution, firefighters stood by as Kern County Environmental Health worked with private contractors to depressurize the cylinder, rendering it incapable of posing a threat.

We are grateful to all who responded to Genasys Protect alerts as this incident unfolded. Due to the potential of this incident to affect the surrounding community, a large initial perimeter was used. This was quickly refined to a more defined area as the situation evolved. As always, safety of the community is our priority. For residents seeking real-time information and peace of mind in emergencies, KCFD recommends downloading the Genasys Protect app. This app provides emergency notifications along with mapping and informational tools to help residents stay informed and reassured even when incidents do not affect their area.