Residents Concerned After Chemical Leak in Buckeye>

Summary:
A chemical leak at Thatcher Chemicals in Buckeye, AZ, on Friday led to an orange cloud visible for miles and prompted a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents. Many locals felt inadequately informed about the incident. Buckeye Police stated that emergency alerts were sent to those within a half-mile radius, but some residents outside this zone, like Karaline Thill, expressed concerns over the lack of broader communication. The spill, involving nitric acid, posed significant health risks, although no injuries were reported. Environmentalist Stephen Brittle noted the dangers of the dissipated gas, nitrogen dioxide. The Buckeye Police and fire departments actively communicated through social media and door-to-door notifications. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) was not directly requested for assistance but reached out proactively. Thatcher Chemicals has a history of EPA violations, though none are in Arizona. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts.