Update at 1:34 p.m,

Authorities have lifted the evacuation orders.

Original Story

Authorities have issued an evacuation order Friday for areas north of Wasco after a methane gas release created a serious health threat.

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office warned that methane gas can displace oxygen and cause dizziness, fatigue, nausea, collapse, or even death from asphyxiation at high levels. Severe exposure could lead to permanent brain damage.

Residents in the affected area are urged to leave immediately. The Genasys Protect Zone impacted by the alert is identified as “2902-Wasco Wellhead HazMat 012326.”

Officials advised people to monitor local media or the ReadyKern Facebook page for updates and called for anyone experiencing an emergency to dial 9-1-1.

Maps of the evacuation zone are available online. 

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