Hazmat Scare Forces Ventura Boulevard Grocery Store Evacuation

TARZANA, CA — A Vons grocery store in Tarzana was evacuated Tuesday afternoon due to a ruptured refrigeration line.

Los Angeles Firefighters were called to the scene in the 18400 block of West Ventura Boulevard shortly after 1 p.m., and the store remained evacuated as of 2:40 p.m.

The hazmat squad is on the scene assessing the damage, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Nicholas Prange.

"With refrigerant and potential chemicals in play, we want to check it out of an abundance of caution," Prange said.

Crews cut power to the store, opened roof hatches and used blowers to clear the air in the store.

"There is no widespread hazard or any need for further evacuation in the surrounding areas, and there were no injuries or medical complaints," Prange said.