Hot Chili Prompts Neighborhood Evacuation

(London, England) Authorities sealed off roads and people were evacuated from the heart of London's SoHo District on Monday due to a hot chili emergency. Firefighters entered after donning special breathing masks.

[F]irefighters smashed down the door of the Thai Cottage restaurant and seized extra-hot bird's eye chilis which had been left dry-frying. It said they were being prepared as part of a batch of Nam Prik Pao, a spicy Thai dip.

"The smoke didn't go up into the sky because of the rain and the heavy air," The Times quoted Thai Cottage owner Sue Wasboonma as saying. "It's the hottest thing we make."

Nam Prik Pao, eh? Jeez, if it's that powerful before you eat it, just imagine the fireworks on the back end.