A chemical storage tank in Southern California is at risk of exploding, prompting fears among authorities. Despite attempts to reduce its internal temperature, the tank is gradually warming, according to Fire Chief Craig Covey. The tank overheated Thursday at a site in Garden Grove but caused no injuries, said the Orange County Fire Authority. Evacuations were ordered for approximately 40,000 people, and shelters were open at several locations, including three high schools.
There is no set timeline for when residents can return home. Initially, efforts to cool the tank seemed successful. However, Covey clarified that drone readings showed external temperatures, not internal ones. Cooling is crucial since the flashpoint of the chemical inside, methyl methacrylate, is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This chemical poses health risks if it overheats, releasing harmful vapors.
Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, Orange County health officer, warned these vapors could lead to respiratory issues, eye irritation, nausea, and headaches. On Friday, emergency crews visually checked the tank’s temperature gauge, discovering it had risen to 90 degrees, an increase from 77 degrees earlier. The rate of increase was around one degree per hour.
The risk includes potential tank explosion or rupture, which could spill chemicals onto the ground. Containment barriers have been established to prevent chemicals from reaching storm drains or waterways. Purdue University engineering professor Andrew Whelton noted the best-case scenario involves a tank leak, allowing for warnings and protective measures.
The tank, located at GKN Aerospace, stores 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, used for manufacturing plastic parts in aerospace and military applications. GKN Aerospace emphasized commitment to community and employee safety.
Residents from five Orange County cities besides Garden Grove have been required to evacuate, including Cypress, Stanton, Buena Park, Anaheim, and Westminster. Some evacuees, concerned about pets, choose to sleep in cars. Marco Solano, an affected resident, expressed frustration at the situation, while dealing with his health conditions exacerbated by stress.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County, facilitating state resource allocation for relief and shelter. Garden Grove is approximately 38 miles south of Los Angeles, adjacent to Anaheim and Disneyland, which are not under evacuation despite the Memorial Day weekend event.
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