FULTON -- Fulton residents are back in their homes after an ammonia leak at the former Bird's Eye plant Thursday evening.

Oswego County Emergency Service Coordinator Terry Bennett tells CNY Central that around 8:20 p.m. an ammonia leak was reported at the plant on Phillips Street. Fulton Fire Chief Paul Foster says a 1.25 inch refrigeration system pipe had started to leak, and was contained by maintenance crews at the site. The Fulton Fire Department, Oswego County Hazmat Team and Health Department, and State DEC Spill Response unit were called to the scene to investigate.

Bennett says that as a precaution residents in the neighborhood of Phillips Street were evacuated after they were notified by Oswego County 911 and Fulton Police. People who lived within a third of a mile of the plant were advised to keep their windows closed and air conditioners on.

Foster says any ammonia that may still be in the air could pose an irritation to residents. He says anyone experiencing irritation may go to the War Memorial or the Community Room at the Fulton Municipal Building.

The building is owned by Pinnacle Foods. The plant closed its operations at the end of last year, putting nearly 300 people out of work and adding another major business closure in the city.