On Tuesday, Orange County authorities and the FBI responded to a hazmat situation in Irvine involving a teenager whose previous science experiments had already prompted a federal investigation earlier this year.
The incident occurred in a gated community after a neighbor reported a suspicious odor coming from a residence. The Orange County Fire Authority’s hazmat team, along with the OCSD Bomb Squad and Irvine police, were dispatched to the scene. The FBI has taken over the investigation.
The teenager, Amalvin Fritz, was involved in a similar incident earlier this year when his at-home science lab led to a dayslong investigation. According to KTLA, the family had recently moved to a new home in the same neighborhood, where the latest hazmat call was made. The teen, who recently graduated from UC Irvine, is interested in molecular biology and hopes to find a cure for cancer.
The family’s attorney, Charles Ray, explained that the chemicals and equipment involved in the incident had been cleared by the FBI during the previous investigation. Ray suggested that the latest response was a result of lingering concerns from the earlier case. “All of the apparatuses and chemicals that were searched in the first instance were loaded into these drums that are now at the new house,” Ray told ABC7. “There’s no issue here.”
Fritz, who has a YouTube channel showcasing his chemistry experiments, stated that his work involves common household items. He emphasized that his experiments are safe and that he uses protective equipment. However, experts have advised that such experiments should not be conducted at home.
The FBI continues to investigate the situation, but no charges have been filed. Authorities assured the public that there is no danger to the surrounding community, and no evacuations have been ordered.
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