California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County following a hazardous chemical leak at an aerospace facility. The leak involves a toxic chemical tank, and officials are striving to find a safe solution. Governor Newsom emphasized the safety of Orange County residents as a top concern. He stated, ‘We are mobilizing every state resource available to support local responders and ensure the community’s safety.’
According to Craig Covey, Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority, temperatures inside the leaking tank have been increasing, creating a dangerous situation. This led to the evacuation of over 50,000 residents. Initially, it was thought that the tank’s temperature was stabilizing. However, after hazardous operations within the danger zone, officials realized the temperature was rising by about one degree per hour, reaching 90 degrees.
‘We put personnel at risk last night to neutralize an additional tank near the leaking one,’ Covey explained in a video posted online. A separate tank nearby was assessed for stability.’
The situation worsens as Covey described only two possible outcomes: the tank failing and leaking 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of chemicals or entering a thermal runaway and exploding. The latter would affect surrounding tanks containing fuel or chemicals. Efforts to find alternative solutions continue. Covey stated, ‘Letting this fail and explode is not acceptable. We aim to prevent that at all costs.’
State and federal authorities may provide assistance in resolving the crisis. Contingency plans are ready if the volatile substance leaks or explodes. OCFA Division Chief Nick Freeman shared a map depicting the potential blast radius if the tank exploded. Garden Grove Mayor Pro-Tem George S. Brietigam later shared a more detailed version of this map online.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated her close monitoring of the situation. LA Fire Department confirmed the city is unaffected and has no associated risks. A Hazmat Specialist will assist as a subject matter expert. ‘All Angelenos should avoid the area,’ Bass warned.
What is Methyl Methacrylate?
Methyl methacrylate is a flammable plastic epoxy known to generate heat. It is a respiratory irritant causing lung, skin, and eye irritation, nausea, and dizziness. The chemical is heavier than air, causing its vapor to settle. Continuous air monitoring and drone surveillance are in place to assess the tank’s temperature.
Assistant Professor Elias Picazo from USC explained that methyl methacrylate has a lower boiling point than water. Its self-heating properties can trigger a ‘runaway reaction.’ Picazo described how reactions releasing heat could lead to rapid pressure buildup, fires, or explosions.
Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, Orange County Health Officer, urged compliance with evacuation orders, noting the chemical’s strong, fruity odor. ‘If you are outside the evacuation zone, we expect no health impact,’ she advised. Those ordered to evacuate should adhere to instructions for safety.
Timeline of the Chemical Leak
The incident began Thursday afternoon at GKN Aerospace facility on Western Avenue, Garden Grove. A hazardous materials call prompted the arrival of crews shortly before 3:40 p.m. Initially, tank temperatures were stable. However, four hours later, temperature increases activated a relief valve and sprinkler system to cool the tank. Despite initial progress in handling the situation, Friday morning revealed the tank’s stability was unmanageable.
The root cause of the leak is under investigation. No reported injuries have occurred. Temporary relief centers opened in response to evacuation orders affecting multiple cities around the leak site.
Evacuation and Safety Measures
Expanded evacuation orders cover a one-mile radius, including areas such as Garden Grove, Cypress, Stanton, Anaheim, Buena Park, and Westminster. Evacuation boundaries are defined as:
- Western: Valley View St.
- Northern: Ball Rd.
- Southern: Trask Ave.
- Eastern: Dale St.
The evacuation remains open-ended, with relief centers ready to assist:
- Garden Grove: Garden Grove Sports & Recreation Center (Day use only)
- Cypress: Cypress Community Center, 5700 Orange Ave.
- Anaheim: Savannah High School, 301 N. Gilbert Street
- Fountain Valley: Mountain Square Regional Park-Freedom Hall, 16801 Euclid Street
- La Palma: John F. Kennedy High School, 8281 Walker Street
- Huntington Beach: Ocean View High School, 17071 Gothard Street
Safety questions can be directed to Garden Grove’s 24-hour call center at (714) 741-5444 or the Orange County hotline at (714) 628-7085.
Impact on Local Events and Facilities
The Garden Grove Unified School District closed 15 campuses, maintaining closures pending further notice. Despite the incident, the annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival proceeds as planned, except for the canceled 5k marathon and parade.
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley announced the closure of the Garden Grove Sports and Recreation Center Vote Center, repurposed for care and shelter. Disneyland remains open as officials monitor the situation with local authorities. Knott’s Berry Farm stays operational, prepared to guide guests safely during emergencies. CBS LA contacted the Los Angeles Angels regarding their scheduled game, awaiting response.