A hydrochloric acid leak prompted a shelter-in-place alert Wednesday for part of east Bakersfield, according to a message from the Kern County Fire Department shared by ReadyKern.

Officials said exposure to the chemical may cause severe burns to the skin or eyes, while vapors can be highly irritating and corrosive.

Residents within the affected area were advised to go indoors, close doors and windows, and avoid using air conditioning. Officials also advised residents to prepare to remain self-sufficient until further notice or until contacted by emergency personnel.

The alert covers Genasys Protect Zone KRN-421.

The shelter-in-place area is north of Bakersfield Tehachapi Highway, south of East California Avenue, east of Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and west of Mount Vernon Avenue.

Residents were advised to monitor ReadyKern for updates.

Anyone experiencing an emergency should call 911.

Update at 9:52 a.m.

Officials said that the shelter-in-place order has been lifted.

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