Mass Evacuation Ordered Near Los Angeles Due to Chemical Leak
More than 40,000 residents near Los Angeles, Southern California, have been instructed to evacuate their homes following a leak of a toxic chemical at a manufacturing facility.
The leak involves a pressurized tank containing approximately 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a highly volatile and flammable chemical used in plastic production.
"There are literally two options left," said Orange County Fire Authority division chief Craig Covey on Friday. "The tank fails and spills... or, two, the tank goes into a thermal runaway and blows up."
The aerospace manufacturing site is located in Garden Grove, about 5 miles (8 km) from Disneyland, which remains outside the evacuation zone and is operating normally. The facility is roughly 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
As a precaution, local schools have been closed, and several major road exits have been shut to restrict access to the affected area.
Orange County health officer Regina Chinsio Kwong advised the public to report any detection of a "fruity and heavy smell" to authorities.
"Smelling it doesn't mean you've reached a level that causes symptoms. But we don't want you to smell that," she stated.
The evacuation zone has been expanded as fire crews worked overnight to reduce the temperature of the chemical tank.
By Friday evening, officials reported cooling the tank to approximately 16°C (61°F), with a goal to lower it further to 11°C (51°F). This tank is one of three similar tanks at the facility.
During a news conference on Friday afternoon, Fire Chief Covey explained the risks if the tank fails.
"If the tank spills, very bad chemicals would leak into the parking area surrounding the facility," he said.
"Or two, the tank goes into a thermal runaway and blows up, affecting the tanks that are around it that have fuel or chemicals in them as well."
"This is not precautionary," he added. "This thing is going to fail, and we don't know when... We're doing our best to figure out when or how we can prevent it."
A hazardous materials team has been collaborating with experts to find a method to depressurize the affected tank and minimize exposure.
The Orange County Fire Authority previously reported that the cooling operation had been successful and that crews had made progress toward safely draining the tank. However, an "inoperable valve" has introduced additional operational challenges.
Chief Covey also confirmed that evacuation orders remain in effect.
Mark Olsen, evacuated to the Garden Grove Sports and Recreation Center, described his experience to NBC LA on Friday.
"I was woken up by the sirens going across our streets," Olsen said.
"Then I was told that they were evacuating, so I grabbed some stuff and got out of there," he added.
He expressed frustration over the uncertainty regarding the chemical plant's situation and when residents might be able to return home.
"It's just frustrating," Olsen remarked.
The facility is operated by GKN Aerospace, a UK-based company that supplies aircraft components.
A company spokesperson issued an apology to local residents and stated:
"The situation remains ongoing and we are fully focused on working with emergency services, specialized hazardous material teams and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the local community, our employees and everyone else involved."
