(Paullina)– A leaking anhydrous ammonia tank made for some anxious moments Wednesday morning near Paullina.

The Paullina Fire Department was called a little after 9:00 am to a field about five miles east of Paullina where the encountered a small cloud of anhydrous ammonia near the tool bar on the rear of a tractor. Firefighters wearing special haz-mat clothing and protective gear approached the scene and sprayed water on the ground and tool bar, successfully containing the cloud of gas. It was determined after the cloud dissipated that the leak was the result of an equipment malfunction. The operator of the equipment that had been applying it was checked over on the scene by medical personnel and was released.

Authorities say there were no evacuations or road closures during the incident. There were on the scene about 40 minutes.

The O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office, Paullina Fire Department, an ambulance and Ag State personnel assisted on the scene.

(Courtesy Community First Broadcasting station KIWA in Sheldon)