Evacuation orders are still enforced for over 40,000 residents in Garden Grove, California. The area houses a site with an unstable tank containing a hazardous chemical.
Orange County fire officials recently announced that the immediate risk of a large explosion had been reduced. However, the potential for a smaller explosion persists.
Continued Evacuation
TJ McGovern, interim fire chief for the Orange County Fire Authority, emphasized that the crisis is ongoing. Although the main threat has decreased, evacuation zones remain necessary for safety.
Residents around the industrial site need to stay away as local authorities assess safety conditions.
Reducing the Risk
Officials reported a crack in the tank helping relieve pressure, while internal temperatures have reduced. Firefighters have been cooling the 22-year-old tank with water and removing insulation to expedite cooling.
State Senator Thomas J. Umberg noted the situation is improving but stressed that residents cannot return home until conditions are safe.
Origin of the Threat
Firefighters responded on Thursday to GKN Aerospace, where a tank holding approximately 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate was overheating. As a precaution, local authorities ordered evacuations after noticing signs that the tank might explode.
Methyl methacrylate, as noted by the Environmental Protection Agency, can cause irritation and breathing issues. It also poses a risk of birth defects in animals exposed to it.
Efforts to cool the tank and relieve pressure have shown some improvements. The discovery of a crack on Sunday allowed some pressure release, leading to a drop in temperature from 100 to 93 degrees.
Investigation Underway
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has launched an investigation into GKN Aerospace. This British company manufactures various components for military and civilian aircraft.