Dorris, California – A toxic paraquat spill near the California-Oregon border prompted a shelter-in-place order and emergency response Tuesday night.
According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office and Office of Emergency Services, crews responded around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 to a hazardous materials incident involving paraquat dichloride near Dorris.
Officials said the chemical, commonly used for weed control, is highly toxic to humans and can cause severe harm if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin or eyes. Emergency crews implemented protective measures to limit public exposure, including issuing a shelter-in-place order for nearby areas.
The incident drew a multi-agency hazmat response as crews worked to contain and neutralize the substance. Authorities warned that exposure symptoms can escalate quickly and may include breathing difficulty, nausea, and organ damage in severe cases.
By 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, officials confirmed the chemical had been neutralized, the scene declared safe, and the shelter order lifted. Highway 97, a key route near the state border, has since reopened to traffic.
Residents who believe they were exposed were advised to seek immediate medical care and follow decontamination guidance, including rinsing skin and eyes and moving to fresh air.
The incident temporarily disrupted travel and raised safety concerns for residents and commuters near the Oregon border corridor.
This incident may be relevant to commuters and cross-border travelers using Highway 97 near Dorris.
