Shelter-in-place lifted in Berkeley neighborhood after hazmat crews safely detonate toxic material

BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) -- In the East Bay, neighbors in North Berkeley were told to shelter in place Monday to allow Hazmat crews to remove a highly volatile and toxic chemical found in a home.

"I just came home, I'm glad I got a warning that I should approach this way than that way," said Carol Takaki.

Takaki's Thousand Oaks neighborhood in North Berkeley was on lockdown.

"Alert said shelter in place, that's all shelter in place," she added.

Berkeley Police and Fire shut down a five-block area surrounding Colusa Avenue, so hazmat crews could remove a highly toxic substance from a home.

"This all started last Friday, when we were alerted from a resident they had hazardous chemicals in the basement," said Berkeley Police officer Byron White.

Less than two liters of Picric Acid were found.

Officials took precautions because it is highly flammable and toxic, and sensitive to both heat and movement, White said.

"The resident said he probably used it 40 years ago, so four decades, when it crystalizes it becomes dangerous," said Berkeley Deputy Fire Chief Keith May.

"If it's moved or handled improperly, there's a risk of explosion," White said.

The homeowner and three surrounding families were told to evacuate, hundreds of others asked to shelter in place, as a precaution.

"It's a change in the neighborhood for a day or so, a lot of people waiting around for something to happen," said neighbor Alan Steinbrugge.

Hazmat crews removed the chemical from the home Monday afternoon, taking it to a remote spot at Shorebird Park where it was safely detonated.

The event, leaving many neighbors relieved and others scratching their heads.

"I mean it's good, but probably a little overkill if you ask me," said neighbor Steve Perrin.

Nearby Thousand Oaks Elementary School was closed for a staff development day, according to the school district.

Berkeley Police say the shelter in place order was lifted Monday afternoon, after hazmat crews removed less hazardous chemicals from that basement photo lab.

Bay City News contributed to this report