SARASOTA, Fla. — First responders and hazmat teams are on the scene of a chemical leak in Sarasota.
Officials responded to a fire alarm in the 6200 block of McIntosh Rd. after 5 a.m. on Wednesday.
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Sarasota County Fire Department Chief Michael Regnier says anhydrous ammonia, a chemical used in refrigeration, is actively leaking into the facility from a chiller unit on the roof.
Regnier says the alarm is tied to a chemical monitoring system in the distribution center.
Sarasota County and Southern Manatee hazmat teams are working together to contain the leak.
Regnier says the facility has been evacuated and a nearby Publix distribution center has been ordered to shelter in place.
Officials are asking residents to avoid the area.
