California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Saturday for Orange County after a failing chemical tank at a GKN Aerospace facility continued heating up, raising fears of a major explosion or toxic spill that could threaten public safety and the environment.
Emergency crews worked through the night in a high-risk “offensive” operation to neutralize a nearby 15,000-gallon tank, hoping to prevent a chain reaction if the main tank fails. The internal temperature of the leaking primary tank has risen to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, climbing roughly one degree per hour since it was measured at 77 degrees Friday morning.
Orange County Fire Authority Incident Commander Greg Covey delivered the update Saturday morning, noting that crews had manually checked the tank’s temperature gauge after cooling water had blocked drone cameras.
Officials have warned that only two catastrophic outcomes were originally possible: the tank could rupture and release 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of hazardous chemicals, or it could experience “thermal runaway” and explode, potentially igniting nearby tanks filled with fuel and other chemicals.
In response, crews have been aggressively spraying the tank with water. Their new strategy is to slow the chemical reaction so the methyl methacrylate (MMA) — a volatile and flammable plastic epoxy — can “cure” and harden gradually from the outside in, similar to how an ice cube forms. They hope the empty space at the top of the tank will absorb any pressure buildup and prevent an explosion.
“We are not giving up,” Covey said. “We are going to do everything we can to mitigate this, protect your residences, protect our environment and get you back home.”
At the same time, responders are preparing for the worst by building dikes and diversion barriers. These measures would channel any spilled liquid away from storm drains, rivers, and the ocean, avoiding a major environmental disaster.
The crisis began Thursday night when workers discovered the leaking MMA tank at the aerospace plant, which makes engine parts for commercial and military aircraft. Initial cooling efforts allowed some residents to return home temporarily, but the situation worsened Friday, forcing authorities to expand the evacuation zone.
More than 40,000 residents have been ordered to leave their homes. Displaced families have been directed to emergency shelters. Health officials warned that if the tank ruptures and releases toxic vapors, it could cause serious respiratory problems and irritation to the eyes, nose, and lungs.
Orange County Fire Authority Interim Chief T.J. McGovern and other leaders emphasized that they refuse to simply let the tank fail.
Newsom’s declaration of a state of emergency allows additional state resources to support local responders. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has been active for more than 24 hours, assisting affected communities.
This remains a developing and highly fluid situation. Officials continue to monitor the tank closely while experts from across the country provide guidance. Residents in the evacuation zone are urged to stay away until authorities declare it safe to return.
