Southern California Residents Evacuated Over Leaking Chemical Tank at Aerospace Facility

Tens of thousands of Southern California residents within a one-mile radius of a GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove have been evacuated after officials warned that a leaking chemical tank could fail. The tank is estimated to contain 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a flammable substance used to produce plastics.

Orange County Fire Authority Chief Craig Covey said the chemical is highly volatile and generates its own heat.

Methyl methacrylate can irritate the lungs, skin, and eyes and cause nausea and dizziness upon exposure, health experts told CBS Los Angeles. Fire officials have placed sandbags around the site to prevent any spilled liquid from reaching storm drains or waterways.

Covey said crews are continuing efforts to keep the tank cool. No particles that could compromise public health have entered the air as of Friday, and there is no active plume, he added.

Covey outlined two main scenarios.

In one, the tank could rupture and release chemicals into the parking lot area. In the other, it could explode and send particles into the air, potentially affecting nearby tanks that hold additional chemicals and fuel. The cause of the leak remains under investigation.

Officials are also assessing other options to end the incident safely, and no timeline has been given for lifting the evacuation orders.