Shelter-in-place order lifted after chemical spill in Fremont

FREMONT, Calif. -- Fremont fire officials said a neighborhood is safe again after firefighters mitigated a hazardous materials situation this morning.

Fire officials reported the "all clear" on Twitter at 10:36 a.m. for residents sheltering in place near 34309 Newton Court where a Republic garbage truck released toxins into the air after a pickup at about 9:30 a.m., police and fire officials said.

After picking up the garbage on a regular route, the driver compacted the load and a reaction started in the back of the truck, sending toxic fumes into the air, fire Division Chief Diane Hendry said.

The truck driver had difficulty breathing and was taken to a hospital. The fire department asked residents of surrounding streets to stay in their homes with the windows closed, Hendry said.

A hazardous materials team responded to clean up the spill and determine what chemicals were in the truck.