Evacuation Ordered in Southern California Due to Chemical Leak

On Thursday, authorities in Southern California initiated the evacuation of approximately 40,000 residents after hazardous chemicals began leaking from large storage tanks at an aerospace facility.

Firefighters from Orange County were dispatched to an aerospace manufacturing site located on Western Avenue in Garden Grove around 3:22 p.m. A leak was reported from the relief valve of a 34,000-gallon tank filled with methyl methacrylate, which started heating up, according to the Orange County Fire Department.

The facility in question is GKN Aerospace, a UK-based provider of aircraft components for both civil and military aviation, which notably contributed to the window of the Orion spacecraft used in the Artemis II mission.

The O.C.F.A. labeled the incident as a “special dangerous goods incident.” Eyewitnesses described the situation as horrifying and shocking, exacerbating fear and concern among evacuees, as reported by the Associated Press.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Orange County, stating that state agencies had been mobilized for over 24 hours to assist the impacted communities in ensuring public safety.

Methyl methacrylate is commonly used in creating resins, plastics, and some dental products. It has a distinctive fruity odor and can irritate various body parts, leading to symptoms like sore throats and nausea, as explained by Dr. Regina Cincio-Kwon from the Orange County Health Department. Long-term exposure could lead to dizziness and respiratory issues, she added.

By late Friday, officials reported that vapor levels in the air had not reached concern levels, although firefighting drones and overhead sprinklers had been deployed with some initial success. Evacuation orders were issued with designated centers for those affected.

Residents were able to return briefly, but later orders reinstated the evacuation as attempts to secure the tank were unsuccessful. An inoperable valve was discovered, leading to an increased safety perimeter.

Despite initial efforts that successfully lowered the tank’s exterior temperature, the interior continued to rise, prompting a renewed urgency from the firefighting teams.

Emergency responders resumed operations late Friday, noting concerning temperature increases in the tank. The possibility of a spill or explosion due to a thermal runaway is a significant concern, with officials stressing the need to prevent any major incidents that could harm the community or environment.

Plans are in place for containment and response strategies, including levees and dams, to manage potential chemical spills while ensuring the safety of emergency responders and the public. No injuries have been reported, and GKN Aerospace has promised to provide updates as new information emerges.