Methanol spill prompts evacuations at Crimson Renewable Energy south of Bakersfield

UPDATE (9:13 P.M.): Kern County Firefighters responded just after 2 p.m. to Crimson Renewable Energy Resources on Millux Road for a report of a methanol leak.

Kern County Fire Department’s HAZMAT, Environmental Health, and personnel at the facility closely monitored the leak from the 28,000 gallon rail car.  The volatile product was evaporating rapidly due to the hot weather.  

Kern County Fire Department said the business was evacuated and all employees were accounted for. CHP closed Millux Road between Old River and Hill Road to investigate the leak.

There were no injuries reported. 

KC Environmental Health remained on scene to assist in coordinating the cleanup operation.

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A methanol spill has prompted the evacuations of Crimson Renewable Energy south of Bakersfield.

The spill was reported at about 2:20 p.m. Monday.

Officials said they evacuated the facility for a large leak.

Methanol is also known as wood alcohol and is used to produce chemicals such as acetic acid and formaldehyde. It's also used in fuel.

California Highway Patrol officials have shut down Millux Road between Interstate 5 and Hill Road.