California Declares Emergency Due to Leaking Chemical Tank in Orange County

1 month ago 0

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Orange County as authorities urgently address a hazardous chemical leak at an aerospace facility. “The safety of Orange County residents is the top priority,” Newsom stated, highlighting the mobilization of state resources to support local responders and ensure community safety.

Rising Temperatures and Evacuations

Orange County Fire Authority Chief Craig Covey reported that temperatures within the chemical tank have been escalating, creating a dangerous situation. This has led to the evacuation of over 50,000 residents. While initial assessments indicated cooling temperatures inside the 7,000-gallon tank containing methyl methacrylate, recent operations revealed an increase of about one degree per hour. By Friday night, temperatures reached 90 degrees, up from 77 degrees that morning.

“We put people in harm’s way last night trying to neutralize the additional tank,” Covey mentioned in a video on social media. Crews entered the danger zone to secure another tank near the leaking one.

Potential Outcomes and Contingency Plans

During a news conference, Covey described two possible outcomes: the tank either failing and releasing chemicals or experiencing a thermal runaway explosion. “Letting this just fail and blow up is unacceptable,” he said, stressing the need for innovative solutions. The Orange County Fire Authority is consulting with national experts. Contingency plans are in place in case of a leak or explosion.

OCFA Division Chief Nick Freeman posted a blast radius map online, while Garden Grove Mayor Pro-Tem George S. Brietigam shared a clearer version on social media.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reassured that Los Angeles remains unaffected. A Hazmat Specialist from the LAFD is prepared to assist if needed.

Understanding Methyl Methacrylate

Methyl methacrylate, a flammable epoxy used in plastics, poses health risks such as lung, skin, and eye irritation. It can cause nausea and dizziness. The chemical, heavier than air, can settle at ground level. Air monitoring is ongoing with drones overseeing tank temperatures.

Explaining the risks, USC Chemistry Professor Elias Picazo said the substance has a low boiling point and self-heating properties, risking a “runaway reaction” that could lead to fires or explosions.

Orange County Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong urged people to evacuate if ordered, noting the chemical’s fruity odor is a sign of presence, not symptoms. She reassured those outside evacuation zones of no health impact.

Timeline and Response

The leak began Thursday afternoon at GKN Aerospace on Western Avenue in Garden Grove. Initially, the tank’s temperature was stable, but after firefighters arrived, it increased, activating safety measures like a relief valve and sprinkler systems. The situation intensified Friday morning, making the tank unmanageable. The incident’s cause is still under investigation, with no injuries reported.

Photos from Fountain Valley depict evacuees at Freedom Hall following a massive tank leak in a plastics facility, sending dangerous vapors into the air.

Evacuation Orders and Public Safety

Orange County officials expanded evacuation orders to nearby cities, including Garden Grove, Cypress, Stanton, Anaheim, Buena Park, and Westminster. The evacuation zone extends:

Western border: Valley View St.
Northern border: Ball Rd.
Southern border: Trask Ave.
Eastern border: Dale St.

Evacuation centers are set at various locations like the Garden Grove Sports & Recreation Center and Cypress Community Center, among others.

For more information, contact Garden Grove’s 24-hour call center or the Orange County public information hotline.

Closures and Public Events

The Garden Grove Unified School District has closed 15 schools, monitoring the situation for updates. Despite this, the annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival continues, though some events, like the marathon, are canceled.

The Orange County Registrar of Voters relocated a vote center to serve as a shelter. Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm remain open, monitoring the situation closely with safety teams on standby.

The Los Angeles Angels are expected to follow up on their game schedule as the situation develops.