Toxic Fumes Force 200 From Homes

Toxic smoke from what appeared to be methamphetamine lab components forced evacuation of more than 200 people from three Santa Ana apartment complexes Tuesday, fire officials said.

Chemicals from a drug operation apparently were dumped in a laundry room of one of the complexes in the 1800 block of Broadway, said Battalion Chief Jim Dalton of the Santa Ana Fire Department.

“It was part of a home brew operation,” Dalton said. “It is a highly explosive chemical that could destroy these buildings.”

Firefighters responded to a report about 12:15 p.m. of a possible fire.

“When we went in there, we saw light, white smoke. It was really pungent, like battery acid,” firefighter William Lackey said. He and another firefighter were treated at Western Medical Center-Santa Ana after inhaling fumes.

A hazardous-materials crew closed off the contaminated area until a waste disposal company could arrive and remove the chemicals. The apartments’ residents, who were assisted by the Red Cross, were expected to be able to return to their apartments late Tuesday.