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(KSL News) -- Fire teams have issued evacuation notices in an area of west Salt Lake because of a chemical spill.
Earlier tonight, high winds toppled a huge tank of hydrochloric acid. Teams contained it, but now it's eating away at a nearby tank that contains 10,000 gallons of Sulfuric Acid.
Assistant fire Chief Dennis McCone says it's not if but when that second tank will go.
Evacuations will take place in the following area:
East Boundary - I-215 West
West Boundary - Bangerter Hwy.
North Boundary - 5th South
South Boundary - California Ave.
Dennis McKone, Asst. Chief, Salt Lake City Fire: "The other tank of sulfuric acid is corroding. We made the determination, along with the company employees, that we could no longer solve this problem."
Officials are shutting down 5th South west of Redwood road because of the direction of the wind. McKone says that when the chemicals eventually mix, the potential plume of chemicals will travel in a northwestern direction.
McKone says that when the two acid combine, it will create a vapor cloud. McKone says that when the cloud disapates, they will send in HazMat crews to clean it up.
If winds shift, officials will notify residents via reverse 911 systems.
Inhaling the fumes of the combine chemicals can cause respiratory distress.
Hydrochloric Acid is a colorless, corrosive acid with a natural attraction for water. It can have a corrosive effect on human tissue, with potential damage to organs, eyes, skin and intestines. If inhaled, Sulfuric Acid cause respiratory tract irritation and tooth erosion.
Officials say if you live close to the evacuations area, to close your windows and stay indoors.
Earlier
Samantha Hayes reporting
Strong winds toppled a huge tank full of hydrochloric acid in Salt Lake City Wednesday evening. The fumes injured some firefighters.
The microburst that blew through Salt Lake City this evening caused many problems: A structure collapse, power lines blown down and a house fire. It was so strong; it toppled a 13 thousand gallon tank of hydrochloric acid.
The amount of liquid that spilled on the property of LA Gas near 2200 W. 1100 South is about equal to a small pool, giving the Salt Lake City fire department more enough to deal with.
Dennis McKone, Salt Lake City Fire Dept.: "At one point we had every piece of equipment in Salt Lake City out pertaining to this front that came through with high winds."
And though it seems incredible- it was high winds that toppled the tank.
Dennis McKone, Salt Lake City Fire Dept.: "See what a tornado does..a micro burst in my opinion, may want to check with your meteorologist on this..but in very strong winds they can topple."
The acid is somewhat contained by a dike built around it. But it is the fumes - that are so dangerous. Two firefighters breathed in those fumes and had to be rushed to the hospital. It is unclear what happened to the breathing apparatus they were wearing that is supposed to protect them.
Dennis McKone, Salt Lake City Fire Dept.: "Any type of acid or fumes..if you breath enough in its going to kill you."
The spill happened on the property of L.A. Gas. Nearby businesses in the industrial park evacuated.
David Catmull, Works nearby: "Police officers told us to get out of here ."
Hazardous materials crews are neutralizing the acid and cleaning up the mess.
The fire department is still concerned about another tank on the property next to the one that spilled. It holds 10 thousand gallons of sulfuric acid.
The two firefighters are expected to be okay. It has been a couple of years since anyone in the department had to be hospitalized.
