Gas leak prompts "Shelter in Place" areas east of Taft

A hazardous materials incident prompted "Shelter in Place" order in the area of South Lake Road Wednesday morning.

The Kern County Fire Department posted on X" on November 6, 2024, at around 7:54 a.m., that they were investigating reports of a hazardous chemical release west of Gardner Road, between South Lake Road and Cadet Road.

A ReadyKern alert said, "A Highly Toxic Flammable Gas Leak has become a threat to areas near East of Taft. Exposure to the vapor cloud can cause severe health problems. DO NOT go outside."

KCFD has asked residents in the area to shelter in place until further notice.

Close windows and doors, and bring in pets if it is safe to do so.

KCFD said to stop any form of ventilation through your residence by turning of air conditioning units and swamp coolers. They said to prepare to self-sustain until further notice and/or contacted by emergency personnel for additional direction.

This is a developing story.