California Governor Declares Emergency After Toxic Chemical Leak

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency after officials identified a potential crack in a tank containing roughly 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate at an aerospace manufacturing site in Garden Grove. The volatile chemical is used to produce plastics and poses risks of fire or explosion if the tank fails.

Thousands of residents within a one-mile radius received evacuation orders. Local schools closed and several highway exits were blocked to restrict access to the area.

Fire crews first responded on Friday after temperature readings showed the tank had reached 32C. Drones initially measured an external temperature of 16C, but crews later found the internal temperature was significantly higher. Orange County Fire Authority division chief Craig Covey said the tank temperature had been rising about one degree Fahrenheit per hour.

Crews began spraying water on the tank to slow the chemical reaction and reduce pressure. On Saturday night a specialized hazardous-materials team entered the facility and confirmed the presence of a potential crack. Interim fire chief TJ McGovern said the crack might be relieving some internal pressure but that further analysis was underway.

Officials stated an inoperable valve had created additional challenges. They are constructing dykes and dams around the site to contain any spill and prevent chemicals from reaching storm drains or the ocean.

County health officer Dr Regina Chinsio-Kwong warned residents to report any fruity or heavy odor and said inhalation could cause respiratory irritation, eye discomfort, or dizziness. She added that people outside the evacuation zone should remain safe.

Mark Olsen, who was moved to the Garden Grove Sports and Recreation Center, said sirens woke him and he left with only a few belongings. He described uncertainty over when he could return home as frustrating. The facility, operated by GKN Aerospace, supplies aircraft components.