MONTESANO, Wash. — A large-scale emergency response involving local, county, state, and federal agencies unfolded Tuesday afternoon in Montesano after two unrelated incidents occurred within minutes of each other, prompting evacuations, hazardous materials protocols, and a coordinated public safety response.

According to officials, the first incident was reported at approximately 2:00 p.m., when emergency crews were dispatched to a natural gas leak within the city. Just 14 minutes later, at 2:16 p.m., responders received a second call reporting a suspicious white powder inside the Montesano Thriftway grocery store.

Although the incidents happened within a short timeframe and required extensive emergency resources, authorities emphasized they were investigated as two separate events.

The natural gas leak led to evacuation orders for nearby homes and the Grays Harbor County campus, including the county jail. As a precaution, inmates were safely relocated to an alternate secure facility. Officials said the evacuation was completed without incident through the coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies.

At the same time, emergency personnel secured the area around Montesano Thriftway after the suspicious powder was discovered. Hazardous materials response protocols were immediately implemented, and additional resources were requested to assist with the investigation.

The Washington National Guard Civil Support Team (CST) from Camp Murray and the Washington State Department of Ecology responded to help identify the substance. After testing, officials determined the material was Albumin Bovine Serum, a protein-based substance commonly used as a form of protein powder. Authorities said established hazardous materials procedures were followed throughout the investigation to ensure the safety of both the public and emergency responders.

A temporary assistance center was opened at Beacon Elementary School for residents displaced by the evacuations. The center remained open until 8:00 p.m., though officials reported that no one required assistance.

The response brought together numerous agencies, including the City of Montesano Public Works, Grays Harbor County Emergency Management, Montesano School District, Grays Harbor County Public Health, Grays Harbor Fire District 2, East Grays Harbor Fire and Rescue, Hoquiam Fire Department, McLane Black Lake Fire Department, Aberdeen Fire Department, Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office, Cascade Natural Gas, Aberdeen Police Department, Hoquiam Police Department, City of Elma, the Washington National Guard Civil Support Team, the Washington State Department of Ecology, and the Washington State Department of Corrections.

Officials thanked the public for their patience and cooperation during the response and confirmed that both incidents were safely resolved. At this time, there is no ongoing threat to the community.