California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County on Saturday following a hazardous chemical incident in Garden Grove.
Evacuations Ordered
Residents and businesses began evacuating on Friday afternoon after a tank containing methyl methacrylate (MMA) at the GKN Aerospace manufacturing plant started leaking vapor, according to KABC and The Orange County Register.
Dangerous Tank Situation
The tank began heating on Thursday, bulging and approaching a condition called a “boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion” (BLEVE), explained Craig Covey, a division chief with the Orange County Fire Authority.
Officials say the tank holds 7,000 gallons of MMA, a chemical used to make plastics. If the tank explodes, nearby tanks containing fuel and other chemicals could ignite, increasing the danger.
If the tank leaks, the chemical could spread over the surrounding area, posing health risks to residents, but it would at least reduce the risk of ignition.
State Response
Governor Newsom said:
“The safety of Orange County residents is the top priority. We are mobilizing every state resource available to support local responders and make sure the community has what they need to stay safe.”
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local partners to ensure first responders have all necessary resources to manage the situation safely.
Safety Advice
Newsom urged residents, particularly those in Garden Grove, to monitor official updates and follow evacuation requests as the situation develops.
