There was a hazardous chemical spill in Siskiyou County Tuesday morning. An unknown quantity of the highly toxic herbicide Paraquat spilled in the small town of Dorris. Paraquat can be fatal if inhaled or ingested. Residents in two zones in Dorris were ordered to shelter in place, close their doors and windows and leave their air conditioners off. Highway 97 through Dorris was closed by CalTrans all day but it reopened Tuesday night after the chemical was neutralized. Anyone who may have come into contact with the Paraquat should seek immediate medical attention. Anyone who drove through Dorris Tuesday morning prior to the closure is urged to thoroughly wash their vehicle.
– Steve Gibson