CONTACT: Emergency Manager Joe Little
PHONE: (805)781-7417
DATE OF INCIDENT: Monday, March 16, 2026
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Hazardous Materials Response
PLACE OF OCCURANCE: 4000 Blk. Broad St., San Luis Obispo
DETAILS:
San Luis Obispo City Fire Dept. Responds to Report of Unknown Powder at Broad Street Business
San Luis Obispo, CA, Monday March 16, 2026 — The San Luis Obispo City Fire Department responded this morning to a report of a potentially hazardous substance at a business located in the 4000 block of Broad Street.
At 9:42 a.m., office management contacted the San Luis Obispo City Fire Department after an employee reported experiencing skin irritation following contact with a white powdery substance the previous week. San Luis Obispo City Fire personnel responded and initiated a hazardous materials response, requesting assistance from the San Luis Obispo County Regional Hazardous Materials Team.
During the investigation, a portion of the building was temporarily evacuated to ensure the safety of employees and responding personnel while the substance was evaluated.
At approximately 12:08 PM, following testing and assessment by the hazardous materials team, the substance was determined to be non-hazardous. The scene was then cleared and the business resumed normal operations.
There were no injuries reported, and no ongoing hazard to the public.
The San Luis Obispo City Fire Department reminds businesses and residents that reporting unknown substances promptly allows emergency personnel to safely evaluate potential hazards and protect public health and safety.
