A failure in a Chevron pipeline near Highway 201 north of Ontario Wednesday led to the evacuation of nearby residents and the temporary shutdown of of the highway, said an Ontario fire official.

Fire officials were concerned about a possible fire or explosion due to the flammable liquid leaking from the pipeline, which turned out to be diesel, not gasoline, said Firefighter Allen Montgomery.

"It could have been a big deal," Montgomery said. He didn't know exactly when the incident started, but said it was after noon.

Montgomery said the leak was occurring above ground inside a fenced area, but it was close to houses. About 8 to 10 home were evacuated, but by 3:35 p.m. residents had returned to their homes. Highway 201, between Ontario and Weiser, was shut down for about a half hour.

The leak has been repaired, and Chevron's hazardous materials team has been dispatched to the scene.