Fire Breaks Out At Scripps Research Institute

SAN DIEGO -- A small chemical explosion and minor fire in a laboratory at the Scripps Research Institute in Torrey Pines prompted a precautionary evacuation of the building Thursday.

The non-injury accident occurred shortly before 9:30 a.m., according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

The six researchers present at the time of the mishap in the fourth-floor lab were able to put out the resulting blaze with fire extinguishers, SDFRD spokesman Maurice Luque said. The roughly 50 occupants of the structure were then directed outdoors as a precaution, he said.

Hazardous-materials personnel were sent to the scene to determine if the accident, which involved a "highly corrosive" chemical, resulted in any lingering health hazards inside the North Torrey Pines Road complex, Luque said.