Authorities in Southern California have issued an evacuation order for 40,000 residents due to concerns that a damaged chemical tank in Garden Grove could leak or explode. The evacuation order, which began over Memorial Day weekend, affects residents in Garden Grove and parts of five other Orange County cities: Cypress, Stanton, Anaheim, Buena Park, and Westminster. No injuries have been reported following the overheating of the pressurized tank, which began venting vapors on Thursday. The tank, located at GKN Aerospace, contains 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a chemical used in plastic production.
Craig Covey, division chief of the Orange County Fire Authority, stated that the valves on the tank are malfunctioning, preventing crews from relieving pressure or removing the chemical. Firefighters are attempting to cool the tank to prevent a leak or explosion. Purdue University engineering professor Andrew Whelton noted that if a leak occurs, it would be preferable to an explosion, which could spread the chemical and cause shrapnel damage.
Drones are being used to monitor the tank's temperature, which has reportedly increased from 77 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The flashpoint of the liquid chemical is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents have expressed frustration over the situation, with some indicating that the stress of the evacuation has affected their health. Health officials warn that exposure to methyl methacrylate can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems, but they also state that the chemical is easily detectable by smell. In the event of an explosion, officials anticipate severe structural damage and significant harm in the immediate area.