New Memphis, Ill (KSDK) - Residents of New Memphis, Illinois are returning home Wednesday morning after being voluntarily forced out overnight, while emergency crews secured a pair of leaking anhydrous ammonia tanks.

Emergency crews responded to the area where the leaking tanks were located off Illinois Highway 160 north of the Illinois Highway 177 split near New Memphis in Clinton County.

Investigators say an area farm owner was towing the chemical tanks to a field when at least one of the two tanks began to leak.   Due to the toxic nature of the chemical and the shifting winds, people living nearby were instructed to close the windows of their homes as a precaution.

The leak was contained around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, but not before two firefighters assisting in the effort were overcome by fumes and were treated and released at an area hospital.

There were no forced evacuations in the incident, although more than twenty area residents were alerted to the situation and advised of their options.

No names have been released.  A technician specializing in these type of incidents is expected to evaluate the tanks involved later today.