A normally laid-back La Jolla corner turned tense today when hazmat crews descended on a business near Girard Avenue and Silverado Street for reports of elevated carbon monoxide levels, triggering precautionary evacuations and slowing traffic in the area. Officials said the scene is being closely monitored and there is no immediate risk to the public.
Fire department on scene
According to San Diego Fire-Rescue, hazmat crews responded to a report of elevated carbon monoxide readings inside a business near Girard Avenue and Silverado Street. Nearby businesses were evacuated as a precaution, officials said. The department reiterated there is "no risk to the public at this time" and warned drivers to plan for traffic delays while crews work the scene.
Hazmat crews are currently responding to reports of elevated carbon monoxide levels in a business near Girard Ave. & Silverado St. in La Jolla. Businesses have been evacuated out of an abundance of caution. No risk to the public at this time. Expect increased traffic in the area. pic.twitter.com/9fvksPPJm8
— SDFD (@SDFD) April 21, 2026
Why carbon monoxide is dangerous
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause headache, dizziness and nausea and, at high concentrations, can lead to loss of consciousness or death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that carbon monoxide forms when fuels burn incompletely, with common sources including furnaces, generators and vehicle exhaust, and that the gas can quickly build up in poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
Common sources and precautions
In commercial spaces, hazardous carbon monoxide levels often trace back to malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances, portable generators or idling vehicles. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the EPA recommend installing carbon monoxide detectors near fuel-burning equipment and keeping that equipment on a regular maintenance schedule. Anyone who feels dizzy, nauseous, confused or short of breath after being near the affected area should move into fresh air and seek medical care or call 911.
What responders do and what to expect
Hazmat teams typically "meter" the air with portable gas detectors, ventilate the affected building and shut down any suspect equipment before giving businesses the green light to reopen. San Diego Fire-Rescue's incident-response playbook lists hazmat units that respond to carbon monoxide and other gas incidents. Officials have not yet identified a confirmed cause of the elevated readings and are asking the public to avoid the immediate area until crews declare it safe.
