Proudly Serving the Cities of Arvin, Bakersfield, Delano, Maricopa, McFarland, Ridgecrest,

Shafter, Taft, Tehachapi, Wasco and all unincorporated areas of Kern County

To: All Media

Contact: Sean Collins, Public Information Officer (661) 330-0133

Subject: Hazardous Materials incident

BAKERSFIELD, CA – On Wednesday May 21st 2008 at approximately 7:12 P.M., a call was received by the Kern County Fire Department for a damaged and leaking container, of an unknown hazardous material on the roadway located in the 6600 Block of Rosedale Highway.

Upon arrival, the Kern County Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Unit crew found a 2 1/2 gallon container which was damaged and leaking its liquid. The crew cordoned off the immediate area due to the unknown contents of the container, and the fact that is was unclear where the container came from. Hazmat technicians carried out an initial survey of the incident and were able to identify it as an herbicide in concentrated form.

This chemical was both toxic and corrosive if it came into contact with the skin or ingested.

Operations were scaled down as a cleanup crew, assisted by Kern County Environmental Health Department arrived on scene to remove the damaged container to safety, and clear the affected area.

There were no reported injuries.

If you have any questions, please contact the Public Information Officer at (661) 330-0133.

Kern County Fire Department

Office of Public Information

5642 Victor Street

Bakersfield, CA 93308