State of emergency in California. Photo: Shutterstock California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency as emergency crews continue working to contain a dangerous chemical incident at a manufacturing facility in Garden Grove, in Orange County.
According to state and local officials, a tank containing approximately 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a highly flammable and volatile chemical commonly used in plastic manufacturing, was found to have a “potential crack,” raising fears of a possible tank failure.
As a precaution, thousands of residents in parts of Garden Grove remain under evacuation orders while hazmat crews monitor the situation around the clock.
In updates released by the Orange County Fire Authority, officials clarified that there is currently one known crack on the tank. Additional visible damage previously reported online was identified as peeling exterior weather stripping rather than multiple structural cracks.
Authorities stressed that there is currently no active chemical leak. Continuous atmospheric monitoring has so far confirmed that no hazardous chemicals are escaping into the air.
Emergency teams, including the Incident Management Team, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Orange County Health Care Agency, remain deployed at the site as containment and safety operations continue.
An evacuation shelter has also been opened at Golden West College for displaced residents.
Newsom said California has mobilized more than 785 state and local first responders, including hazardous materials specialists, to support affected communities and local authorities.
The governor also confirmed that California has requested that President Donald Trump approve an emergency declaration in order to unlock additional federal resources for the response effort.
“For more than 48 hours, state agencies have been on the ground supporting impacted communities, protecting public safety, and assisting local officials as response efforts continue,” Newsom said.
Officials emphasized that areas outside the established evacuation zone are considered safe, and residents there can continue normal day-to-day activities while monitoring official updates.
LA Mayor Karen Bass: The Los Angeles Fire Department has confirmed that Los Angeles is not affected and there is no risk to the city. The LAFD remains in close contact with the Orange County Fire Authority and Cal OES and is sending a Hazmat Specialist who will serve as a subject matter expert. The LAFD is on standby, ready to offer any further assistance and resources should they be needed. All Angelenos should avoid the area."