California Governor Declares Emergency Over Chemical Tank Leak in Garden Grove

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency after officials identified a potential crack in a tank containing about 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate at a manufacturing facility in Garden Grove. The chemical is used to produce plastic and is described as highly volatile and flammable.

Thousands of residents were placed under evacuation orders as a precaution. Orange County Fire Authority officials said they discovered the crack during an overnight inspection on Saturday. Interim Fire Chief TJ McGovern stated that firefighters observed the tank and noted the crack could be relieving some internal pressure.

Experts continued to review sensor data on Sunday with additional findings expected.

Craig Covey said the tank's temperature had reached 32C on Saturday and was rising about one degree Fahrenheit per hour. Crews had used drones on Friday to measure external heat and later found the internal temperature higher than initially estimated.

Emergency teams sprayed water on the tank to slow chemical reactions and reduce pressure. Officials reported an inoperable valve created additional challenges. They constructed dykes and dams around the site to contain any spill and prevent chemicals from reaching storm drains or the ocean.

Local schools closed and several major road exits were shut to limit access.

County health officer Dr Regina Chinsio-Kwong advised residents to report any fruity or heavy odor and stated that people outside the one-mile evacuation zone should remain safe. Inhaling vapors could cause respiratory irritation, eye irritation, or dizziness, she said.