Authorities in Orange County, California, have ordered about 40,000 people to evacuate after a chemical storage tank at an aerospace facility raised fears of a possible spill or explosion.
The incident began at a GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, where a tank holding methyl methacrylate started off-gassing. The chemical is highly flammable and is commonly used in the production of resins and plastics.
Hazmat crews first responded to the site Thursday, and nearby residents were initially told to evacuate. The order was later lifted, but officials said the situation became more dangerous after damage to a valve created additional problems and prevented crews from fully stabilizing the tank.
By Friday, evacuation orders had expanded across parts of six Orange County cities: Garden Grove, Cypress, Stanton, Anaheim, Buena Park and Westminster.
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Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Craig Covey said the tank was “actively in crisis” and warned that officials were preparing for two possible outcomes: the tank could fail and spill thousands of gallons of chemicals, or it could enter a thermal runaway and explode.
Covey said crews were working to prevent the worst-case scenario but could not say exactly when or how the tank might fail.
Emergency crews have placed sandbags and containment barriers around the area in case the chemical spills. Officials said the goal is to keep the material from entering storm drains, creeks or nearby waterways.
County health officials warned that if the chemical heats up, it can release harmful vapor. Exposure may cause breathing problems, burning or irritated eyes, itching, nausea and headaches.
Authorities urged residents in the evacuation zone to leave immediately. Garden Grove officials said shelters had been opened for those displaced by the order.
Garden Grove is located about 38 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. Although the evacuation area is in Orange County and relatively close to major attractions, Disneyland’s theme parks were not under evacuation orders.
Officials stressed that the evacuation was being ordered as a precaution because of the risk of a major chemical release or explosion.
GKN Aerospace is part of a British-based company that manufactures aircraft components, including parts used in airplane engines.
Breaking News: About 40,000 people have been forced to evacuate due to a toxic chemical leak in Garden Grove.
Officials said there are only two options left: Either the tank fails and the chemical leaks out or it explodes.
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