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Dorris Today
By the People, for the People
Chemical Spill Forces Shelter-in-Place Order in Dorris
Highly toxic Paraquat herbicide spilled, prompting emergency response in Siskiyou County
Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:51am
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Due to a chemical spill of the highly toxic herbicide Paraquat in Dorris, California, the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office has issued a shelter-in-place order for two affected zones. Residents are advised to turn off HVAC systems, keep doors and windows closed, and avoid outdoor activities to minimize exposure risk.
Why it matters
Paraquat is an extremely hazardous chemical that can be fatal if inhaled or ingested. The spill poses a serious public health threat to the local community, requiring a swift emergency response to contain the situation and protect residents.
The details
The chemical spill occurred in Dorris, prompting the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office to issue a shelter-in-place order for two specific zones - DOR-4106 (east of Matthews Rd, north of Richardson Rd) and DOR-4112 (west of Dorris Brownell Rd, north of Richardson Rd). Paraquat, the spilled chemical, is a highly toxic herbicide that can be an airborne risk. Residents in the affected areas are instructed to turn off HVAC systems, keep doors and windows closed, and avoid outdoor activities.
- The chemical spill occurred on March 17, 2026.
The players
Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office
The local law enforcement agency that issued the shelter-in-place order in response to the chemical spill.
Caltrans District 2
The state transportation agency that has closed Highway 97 through Dorris due to the incident.
What’s next
The shelter-in-place order will remain in effect until the situation is contained and the area is deemed safe for residents to resume normal activities.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the importance of robust emergency response protocols and the need for strict regulations around the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals to protect public safety.
