Orange County Officials Report Rising Temperature in Leaking Chemical Tank

Orange County Fire Authority officials reported Saturday that the temperature of liquid inside a leaking chemical tank at a Garden Grove aerospace plant had risen from 77 degrees to 90 degrees. Division Chief Craig Covey said the increase was measured after crews initially used a drone to record external surface temperatures rather than the liquid itself.

Covey stated the liquid temperature is now rising about one degree per hour. He said earlier assessments that the tank was stable were based on the external readings.

Fire officials said the tank could rupture or explode, releasing a cloud of methyl methacrylate. The chemical is used in nail salons and similar businesses and can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong said at a Friday news conference that higher exposure levels could cause severe respiratory distress requiring hospitalization.

Approximately 40,000 people have left the area, though officials said about 15 percent of contacted residents declined to evacuate.

Crews have sprayed water on the tank to reduce pressure and are evaluating additional cooling methods. Covey said personnel will withdraw if conditions become too hazardous for responders. Disneyland Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm stated they are monitoring developments but reported no operational effects so far. Shelter capacity in the area has been strained by arriving evacuees.