Please do not investigate further or touch the substance.

Why them? Firefighters are trained as first responders for hazardous material (HazMat) incidents. They have the equipment and expertise to identify and safely contain the substance.

3. Warn Others & Isolate Pets
Keep family members, neighbors, and pets indoors and away from the garden.

Do not let pets into the garden under any circumstances.

4. While Waiting for Help
Ventilate from a Distance: If you need to air out your house, open windows on the opposite side of your home from the garden.

Note Any Details: Mentally note any other details you saw—approximate size, color (“reddish”), the type of movement. This will help the responders.

Possible Explanations (For Context Only – Let Professionals Diagnose)

While you wait, know that professionals will handle this. What you describe could be several things, all of which require expert handling:

A Severe Hazardous Chemical Spill: Someone may have illegally dumped a corrosive or toxic substance.