Emergency Response Underway at Garden Grove Aerospace Facility Amid Chemical Tank Concerns
Ongoing Efforts to Mitigate Chemical Tank Risks
Crews from the Orange County Fire Authority have been tirelessly working overnight to assess a crack in a large chemical tank located at an aerospace facility in Garden Grove. Interim Fire Chief TJ McGovern stated that firefighters are engaged in a critical operation to verify whether the pressure within the 7,000-gallon tank has been alleviated, thereby reducing the risk of a potential Boiling-Liquid-Expanding-Vapor Explosion (BLEVE). “The BLEVE threat represents the most severe catastrophic scenario we are concerned about,” McGovern informed the media. “We are not at that point yet, but we need to continue our efforts tonight.” The tank holds methyl methacrylate, a hazardous and flammable substance utilized in the production of acrylic plastics. Officials have identified one crack in the tank and noted some peeling weather stripping, but they confirmed that there is currently no active leak.
Evacuations and Public Safety Measures
Approximately 50,000 residents are currently under evacuation orders affecting areas in Garden Grove, Stanton, Anaheim, Westminster, Buena Park, and Cypress. The evacuation zone encompasses three circular blast zones nearest to the plant, along with additional regions identified for their potential flammability and immediate health risks. Although evacuation orders were temporarily lifted Thursday night due to perceived progress, they were reinstated Friday morning as conditions changed. Several emergency shelters have been established, with many nearing full capacity. Locations such as Los Alamitos High School, Golden West College, and the Orange County Fairgrounds are still accepting displaced individuals. Additionally, 24 Hour Fitness facilities in Orange County and parts of southwest Los Angeles have opened their doors to provide showers, restrooms, phone charging, and air-conditioned spaces for those affected. Schools in districts including Garden Grove, Magnolia, Savanna, Westminster, and Cypress remain closed until further notice.
State and Federal Actions
On Saturday, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and activated the State Operations Center. Nearly 800 first responders from state and local agencies are involved in the operation, including three specialized hazmat teams. Newsom has also requested a federal emergency declaration from President Trump to access additional resources for evacuations, sheltering, and emergency medical assistance. California Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, along with Representative Derek Tran, have sent a letter urging the president to approve this request. State agencies are conducting ongoing air quality monitoring, with no contaminants detected thus far. Health officials in California have indicated that no exposure is anticipated as long as residents adhere to evacuation orders.
Company's Commitment to Safety
GKN Aerospace, the UK-based owner of the facility located at 12122 Western Ave., released a statement affirming its commitment to collaborating with emergency responders. “We understand the uncertainty this situation is causing and sincerely apologize for the disruption to the local community,” the company stated. “Our primary focus is to resolve this incident safely so that residents can return home as soon as possible.” The cause of the tank's overheating is still under investigation. In 2021, GKN Aerospace settled multiple environmental violations at the site for approximately $900,000. Authorities continue to advise the public to avoid the evacuation zone and to follow the guidance of emergency personnel. The situation is being closely monitored, with contingency plans established for fire, medical, and environmental responses should the tank fail.