GARDEN GROVE, Calif. — Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Orange County on Saturday as emergency crews struggle to contain a leaking chemical tank at an aerospace facility that has forced the evacuation of more than 50,000 residents.
The situation at the GKN Aerospace facility involves a tank containing approximately 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate. According to Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Chief Craig Covey, the chemical’s temperature has been rising at a rate of about one degree per hour, climbing from 77 degrees on Friday morning to 90 degrees by that night. This trend has created what officials describe as a “significantly dangerous” scenario.
“The safety of Orange County residents is the top priority,” Governor Newsom said. “We are mobilizing every state resource available to support local responders and make sure the community has what they need to stay safe.”
The Risk of Thermal Runaway
Methyl methacrylate is a flammable plastic epoxy that possesses self-heating properties and a boiling point lower than that of water. Experts, including USC Assistant Professor of Chemistry Elias Picazo, explain that the substance can undergo an exothermic “runaway reaction,” where the release of heat further accelerates the chemical process. This can lead to rapid pressure buildup, potentially resulting in fire or explosion.
Chief Covey noted that the situation is among the most severe he has encountered in his 32-year career. While officials previously considered two primary outcomes—a containment failure resulting in a spill or a thermal runaway leading to an explosion—Covey stated on Saturday that crews are evaluating potential third options to prevent a catastrophic event. “Letting this thing just fail and blow up is unacceptable to us,” Covey said. “Our goal is to find something and not allow that to happen.”
Impacts and Response
The evacuation zone currently covers a one-mile radius spanning parts of Garden Grove, Cypress, Stanton, Anaheim, Buena Park, and Westminster. While the chemical is heavier than air and poses risks of respiratory, skin, and eye irritation, Orange County Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong emphasized that health impacts are not expected for those outside the immediate evacuation zone.
The incident has resulted in the closure of multiple school campuses and the cancellation of the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival’s 5k marathon and parade. Other major local venues, including Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Angel Stadium, have reported that they remain open and are monitoring the situation in coordination with local authorities.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has opened an anonymous tipline for the public to provide information regarding the facility’s operations or maintenance, as the cause of the leak remains under investigation.
Looking Ahead
As the situation remains fluid, officials are continuing to monitor the tank’s temperature using drones and air-quality sensors. While contingency plans are in place for both a potential spill and an explosion, there is currently no estimated timetable for when evacuation orders might be lifted. Congressman Derek Tran (CA-45) has urged the Governor to seek a federal disaster declaration, which would formally activate broader support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Environmental Protection Agency should the incident escalate further.
