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Over 40,000 evacuated as chemical tank threatens southern California
Emergency crews in Garden Grove, California, have ordered more than 40,000 residents to leave their homes after a storage tank at an aerospace plant began leaking methyl methacrylate, a volatile and flammable chemical used in plastic manufacturing.
What happened
The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) responded Thursday afternoon when sensors detected a sharp rise in temperature inside a 7,000-gallon tank containing the hazardous substance. The facility, located in the Los Angeles suburb of Garden Grove, houses three tanks; one has a malfunctioning cooling system, officials said.
Two dangerous scenarios
At a Friday news conference, OCFA Chief Craig Covey outlined two possible outcomes. The tank could rupture, releasing toxic fumes into the surrounding area. Alternatively, it could enter a "thermal runaway" and explode, potentially igniting nearby tanks containing fuel or additional chemicals.
"This is not precautionary. This thing is going to fail, and we don't know when. We're doing our best to figure out when or how we can prevent it."
OCFA Chief Craig Covey
Response efforts
A hazardous materials team is collaborating with specialists to depressurize the compromised tank and minimize exposure. Early attempts to cool the tank succeeded briefly, but an "inoperable valve" has since created new operational hurdles, authorities reported.
Despite progress in stabilizing temperatures, evacuation orders remain in effect while crews work to safely drain the tank. The OCFA has established evacuation centers and activated an information hotline, urging the public to avoid calling with unsolicited suggestions.
Current status
Officials continue to monitor the situation around the clock. No timeline has been provided for when residents may return home.
