California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County on Saturday. This announcement comes as officials urgently work to safely resolve a leaking toxic chemical tank at an aerospace facility. Newsom emphasized prioritizing the safety of Orange County residents, stating that all state resources are being deployed to support local responders in ensuring community safety.
Orange County Fire Authority Chief Craig Covey highlighted the critical situation, with rising temperatures inside the tank posing significant danger. This has prompted the evacuation of more than 50,000 residents. Initially, temperatures in the tank, containing 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, appeared to cool. However, crews discovered a temperature increase of about one degree per hour upon closer inspection. The temperature reached 90 degrees on Friday night, rising from 77 degrees earlier that day.
Chief Covey explained the complexity of the situation in a video shared on social media. Crews risked entering the danger zone to stabilize an additional tank close to the leaking one. The potential consequences are severe. The tank could either spill thousands of gallons of toxic chemicals or enter a thermal runaway, possibly causing an explosion affecting nearby tanks.
On Saturday, Covey mentioned that alternative solutions are under consideration to prevent catastrophic outcomes. Experts from across the country have been consulted for guidance. State or federal assistance has not yet been confirmed.
Contingency plans are ready if the chemical tank leaks or explodes. The exact impact and timeline of a possible explosion remain undetermined. An image depicting the potential blast radius was shared by OCFA Division Chief Nick Freeman and later posted to Facebook by Garden Grove Mayor Pro-Tem George S. Brietigam.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reassured residents that Los Angeles is unaffected and not at risk. The Los Angeles Fire Department is maintaining communication with Orange County authorities and has a Hazmat Specialist prepared to provide assistance if necessary.
Health Concerns Surrounding Methyl Methacrylate
Methyl methacrylate, a flammable plastic epoxy, poses several health risks. It is a respiratory irritant, potentially causing lung, skin, and eye irritation, nausea, and dizziness. Heavier than air, the chemical’s vapor tends to settle and sink. Air and drone monitoring of the tank’s temperature is ongoing. Experts note the substance’s self-heating properties, which can lead to a runaway effect, increasing the risk of fires and explosions due to rapid pressure build-up.
Orange County Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong advised compliance with evacuation orders. While some people may smell the chemical’s strong, fruity odor, it does not necessarily indicate the presence of symptoms. Residents outside the evacuation zone are not expected to experience health impacts.
Origins and Timeline of the Chemical Leak
The chemical leak originated at the GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, where crews responded to a hazardous materials alert on Thursday afternoon. Initially, the tank’s temperature was stable. However, four hours later, it increased, triggering nearby safety systems designed to cool a leaking tank. Progress on removing the chemical was halted on Friday morning due to the tank’s crisis state. The leak’s cause is still under investigation, and no injuries have been reported.
Evacuation Efforts in Orange County
Evacuation orders in Orange County expanded on Friday, affecting multiple cities, including Garden Grove, Cypress, Stanton, Anaheim, Buena Park, and Westminster. Residents within a one-mile radius are urged to evacuate. Specific border expansions for the evacuation zone have been communicated. Several locations have been designated as evacuation centers, such as the Garden Grove Sports & Recreation Center and the Cypress Community Center.
For safety information, residents can contact the City of Garden Grove’s 24-hour call center or the Orange County public information hotline.
Impact on Local Events and Services
The Garden Grove Unified School District closed 15 campuses and will continue to monitor the situation before reopening. While the annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival proceeds as planned, the 5k marathon and parade were canceled.
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley indicated that the County of Orange Registrar of Voters closed its Vote Center at the Garden Grove Sports and Recreation Center to use it as a shelter site.
Disneyland remains open and unaffected, with continuous monitoring in collaboration with local authorities. Knott’s Berry Farm issued a statement affirming the park’s commitment to guest safety and its readiness to respond to any emergencies. The Los Angeles Angels, hosting a game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, have been contacted for further information.
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