Chemical leak at Southern California factory prompts evacuations

LOS ANGELES -- Emergency crews responded Tuesday to a chemical leak at a factory in La Habra, Southern California, which prompted nearby residents to temporarily shelter in place.

The incident was reported at 11:53 am (1853 GMT) in the 500 block of South Cypress Street of La Habra. Responding firefighters found an industrial chemical manufacturing facility with an orange smoke plume rising from the roof, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

A 1-mile (1.6-km) evacuation zone was established around the facility, according to the department.

Hazardous materials teams from the department entered the facility and brought the leak under control. The plume subsequently dissipated, the department said.

The evacuation order was lifted by Tuesday afternoon. La Habra Police Department continued to monitor air quality in the area and said there is no "active risk" to residents.