A commercial building in the Chatsworth area was evacuated Monday and one person was taken to a hospital with minor medical issues when an unknown “vapor cloud” was reported behind the structure.
Firefighters were sent to the 20700 block of West Marilla Street shortly after 1 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
About 31 occupants of the building were evacuated, and people were being kept away from the area by firefighters, said Nicholas Prange of the LAFD. The area is expected to remain restricted until authorities can determine the exact nature of the substance.
Eight people were evaluated by paramedics at the scene. Seven declined further medical treatment, but a man believed to be about 50 years old was taken to a hospital with “only minor medical complaints,” according to the LAFD.
No other details were available.