Reedley Officials Address Misinformation Surrounding Illegal Lab Discovery
REEDLEY, Calif. (KFSN) – Reedley city officials are addressing the misinformation circulating within the community following the discovery of an illegal lab operating in the city. With all the biological agents now destroyed at the property on 850 I Street, Reedley’s city manager, Nicole Zieba, assures residents that public safety was never compromised.
In December of last year, an unpermitted lab was found in Reedley, prompting city and county officials to work with state and federal agencies to investigate the facility. Search and abatement warrants were obtained to clear the property of hazardous materials, including covid and pregnancy tests, chemicals, and medical waste.
Authorities emphasize that these items were never distributed in the community or posed a health risk. “The city of Reedley took a look at their water systems. They took a look at the sewer systems. Our Department of Public Health instigated a program where they wanted to make sure that there was no immediate threat to people who lived anywhere near this particular site. And so public safety was the number one priority for the county as well as the city of Reedley,” said Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig.
However, a letter from the city’s Fire Chief to Reedley City Manager Zieba did express concerns about the potential for a large fire at the warehouse. The letter mentioned a plan to evacuate the surrounding area if necessary, citing the presence of corrosive, toxic, and/or highly flammable unmarked chemicals inside. Zieba clarified that she had requested the letter as part of the administrative procedure to seek support, but it does not indicate an immediate threat.
Addressing another rumor, Zieba confirmed that a grocery store near the lab was closed due to a structural roof issue, not because of any incident related to the lab. She emphasized that the community was kept in the dark initially to ensure a thorough investigation could be conducted. “We might not be able to tell you something at the time, but really we will, transparency is critical, but the timing of getting information out to the public is just as critical,” Zieba said.
To clear any confusion and provide further information, the Fresno Department of Public Health will be giving a presentation to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. Supervisor Magsig assured that the presentation will be made available to the public online.
Reedley residents are urged to follow official channels for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the illegal lab discovery.