News Summary
A chlorine gas leak in a Newport Beach garage led to swift evacuations and emergency responses from the fire department. Firefighters rescued a person and a dog trapped in the building, with both reported to be in stable condition. Hazmat teams managed to neutralize hazardous materials, ensuring community safety. The incident reminds residents of the need for preparedness amidst potential dangers.
Chlorine Gas Leak in Newport Beach Causes Stir and Evacuations
Newport Beach experienced a rather startling situation on Monday afternoon due to a chlorine gas leak that took place in a residential garage. Emergency responders, working swiftly and efficiently, were on the scene to ensure the safety of residents in this tranquil coastal city.
The Scene of the Incident
The incident unfolded around 2:18 p.m. when the Newport Beach Fire Department (NBFD) received a call regarding a medical emergency at a home located at 418 Carnation Avenue in the picturesque Corona del Mar area. Upon arriving, the firefighters quickly identified that they were dealing with a hazardous materials scenario involving a mix of chemicals in the garage.
Swift Action by the Fire Department
Once it was confirmed that the leaking material was chlorine gas, the first responders took decisive action. They swiftly evacuated homes in close proximity to the leak, while advising those living nearby to shelter in place. This precautionary measure ensured that people remained safe while the situation was under control.
Rescue Efforts
During their operation, fire personnel made a heroic rescue of an individual trapped on the third floor of the building. Perhaps even more heartwarming, they also managed to save a dog who was stuck as well. Both the individual and their furry companion were found to have stable vital signs—a huge relief given the circumstances!
Medical Attention
In total, a second individual was transported to the hospital in stable condition for treatment. Thankfully, both the rescued human and dog were reported to be doing remarkably well following the tense situation.
Hazmat Teams Join the Efforts
To further bolster the response, hazmat teams from the nearby Huntington Beach and Anaheim fire departments arrived to assist with the hazardous materials situation. These teams worked diligently to neutralize the mixed chemicals, which included both ammonia and chlorine bleach, that had caused this alarming leak.
Closure of Streets
As emergency crews worked, Carnation Avenue was closed to traffic between Bayside Drive to Coast Highway, and First Street from Begonia to Dahlia avenues was also shut down. The presence of police and fire vehicles dominated the scene as community members watched the containment efforts unfold.
Conclusion of the Incident
By approximately 4:55 p.m., the situation had been brought under control. The hazmat teams successfully neutralized the hazardous chemicals, and the community could start to breathe a little easier once again. Newport Beach Mayor Joe Stapleton indicated that while the incident didn’t seem to have any criminal aspect to it, it had the potential to be explosive, highlighting the importance of the swift response.
Safety First!
The day’s events serve as a potent reminder of the importance of safety and the effectiveness of dedicated emergency services. Newport Beach is known for its beautiful scenery and peaceful living, but as we’ve seen today, it’s essential to be prepared and aware of the potential dangers that can arise in any community. With steadfast responders showcasing their commitment to public safety, residents can feel reassured knowing that help is always just a call away.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Hazmat Team Responds to Chlorine Gas Leak
- Wikipedia: Chlorine
- CBS News: Newport Beach Hazardous Materials Investigation
- Google Search: Chlorine gas leak
- My News LA: Chlorine Gas Leak Prompts Hazardous Materials Response
- Google Scholar: Chlorine Gas Emergency Response
- Patch: Stolen Car Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chlorine
- Spectrum News 1: Ontario Earthquakes
- Google News: Newport Beach Emergency Response

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.