Authorities in Southern California are bracing for the possibility that a damaged chemical tank at a facility in Garden Grove could leak or explode, as an evacuation order for 40,000 residents continues into the Memorial Day weekend with no timeline for return. No injuries have been reported since the pressurized tank overheated on Thursday and began venting vapors, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.
Ongoing Risk and Response Efforts
The tank, located at a GKN Aerospace facility, contains between 6,000 and 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a chemical used to make plastic parts for commercial and military aircraft. Officials have stated that the tank's valves are broken or gummed up, preventing crews from removing the chemical or relieving pressure. Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Craig Covey explained that firefighters are first attempting to cool the chemical inside to prevent a leak or explosion. If cooling fails, Purdue University engineering professor Andrew Whelton suggested that a controlled leak would be preferable to an explosion, which could spread the chemical over a wide area and send shrapnel flying.
Temperature Monitoring and Cooling Challenges
Drones are monitoring the tank's temperature at 10-minute intervals to detect spikes. Initial efforts to cool the tank appeared promising on Friday, but Covey later clarified that readings showed the external temperature, not the internal one. The internal temperature rose to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, up from 77 degrees the previous morning. The chemical's flashpoint is 50 degrees Fahrenheit, making cooling critical.
Evacuation and Community Impact
Evacuation orders initially covered Garden Grove and later expanded to parts of Cypress, Stanton, Anaheim, Buena Park, and Westminster. Several shelters remain open, including at three high schools. Residents like Marco Solano, 32, expressed frustration, noting that the stress of the situation has exacerbated his health conditions. Some residents have not evacuated, raising concerns for their safety.
Health Risks and Environmental Precautions
Exposure to methyl methacrylate can cause serious respiratory problems, neurological issues, and irritation to skin, eyes, and throat. Orange County health officials stated that the chemical is easily detectable by smell over large areas without causing harm at low levels. In the event of an explosion, officials expect severe structural damage and significant harm in the blast zone. Containment barriers have been set up to prevent the chemical from reaching storm drains, creeks, or the ocean in case of a spill.
Emergency Declaration and Ongoing Monitoring
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County, making state resources available and allowing state-owned properties to be used as shelters. Disneyland in Anaheim, not under evacuation orders, is monitoring the situation and supporting affected employees. GKN Aerospace agreed to pay over $900,000 in 2025 to settle violations related to recordkeeping and emissions. Officials continue to develop maps predicting plume dispersion and conduct air monitoring specific to methyl methacrylate.
