Toxic Chemical Spill Triggers Shelter-in-Place in Dorris
Paraquat incident prompts highway closure, emergency response, and public health warnings
DORRIS, Calif. — A hazardous materials incident involving a highly toxic herbicide prompted a shelter-in-place order, highway closure, and large-scale emergency response in the City of Dorris on Tuesday, March 17.
According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office and Office of Emergency Services (OES), the incident involved a spill of paraquat dichloride, a chemical commonly used for weed control that poses serious health risks if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin or eyes.
What Is Paraquat Dichloride?
A fast-acting agricultural herbicide
Extremely toxic to humans and animals
Exposure can occur through air, ingestion, or skin contact
Even small amounts can be fatal
Restricted-use chemical handled only by licensed applicators
Emergency crews respond to a hazardous materials spill involving a toxic herbicide in Dorris, California, with Highway 97 temporarily closed as containment and cleanup efforts were underway. (Images: Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office)
Emergency Response and Timeline
Authorities first issued a shelter-in-place order at approximately 10:20 a.m. for areas of Dorris, including zones east and west of Dorris Brownell Road and north of Richardson Road. Residents in affected areas were instructed to remain indoors, turn off HVAC systems, close windows and doors, and avoid outdoor activity due to potential airborne exposure.
As part of the response, Highway 97 through Dorris was closed, and emergency crews from multiple agencies worked to contain and neutralize the hazardous material.
By the evening, officials reported progress in stabilizing the situation.
7:30 p.m., the chemical had been successfully neutralized, and the scene was declared safe.
9:04 p.m., the shelter-in-place order was downgraded, and impacted zones were returned to normal status.
Highway 97 was subsequently reopened to traffic.
Health Risks and Public Safety Concerns
Officials emphasized that paraquat dichloride is highly toxic and can be fatal depending on the level of exposure. Exposure may occur through inhalation, ingestion, or direct contact with skin or eyes.
Early symptoms of exposure can include:
Burning pain in the mouth or throat
Nausea and vomiting
Skin irritation or chemical burns
Eye redness or blurred vision
More severe symptoms may develop over time, including respiratory distress, lung inflammation, kidney failure, and liver damage.
Authorities cautioned that symptoms may worsen even if initially mild.
Precautionary Measures and Public Guidance
Following the incident, Siskiyou County OES issued additional guidance for residents and travelers in the area.
Anyone who drove through Dorris prior to the highway closure was advised to wash their vehicles with soap and water as a precaution to remove any potential chemical residue.
Individuals who believe they may have been exposed were advised to:
Move to fresh air immediately
Remove contaminated clothing
Wash exposed skin thoroughly
Rinse eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes
Seek immediate medical attention
Officials emphasized that paraquat exposure is considered a medical emergency, and anyone experiencing symptoms should call 911 or contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Recent News
