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El Molino Foods in Claresholm. (Supplied by Google Maps)

Ammonia leak may force evacuations of El Molino Foods in Claresholm

Aug 22, 2019 | 1:40 PM

Claresholm, AB – UPDATE (4:15 pm): All staff at El Molino Foods have been safely evacuated. The hazmat crew at Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services arrived on scene at 3:30 pm. A further update is expected at 5:00 pm.

UPDATE (2:05 pm): The Town of Claresholm has declared a State of Local Emergency in order to be prepared for a potential evacuation of El Molino Foods.

Original Story:

An chemical hazard advisory alert has been issued by the Town of Claresholm and Alberta Emergency Alerts.

Communications Administrator with the Town of Claresholm Karine Keys says there was a small ammonia leak at the Mexican food importer and distributor on #1 Alberta Road.

At this time, the Town is not sure if they will have to enforce an evacuation order at the facility or not.

Either way, they are asking the public to stay clear of the building as a precaution and to listen to the directions of local authorities.