What to Know
- A compromised chemical storage tank at Garden Grove’s GKN aerospace facility is threatening to leak its toxic contents or explode in what the mayor called an “unprecedented” emergency.
- The hazardous materials situation began unfolding Thursday night when firefighters responded to reports of a problem with the tank containing a flammable liquid called methyl methacrylate.
- About 50,000 people in the Orange County community remained under evacuation orders.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Saturday as about 50,000 people remained under evacuation orders.
- Orange County fire authorities were working with experts from all over the country to discuss options.
- Orange County Fire Authority members were at the property “in harm’s way” in an effort to neutralize an additional 15,000-gallon tank to remove its explosive potential.
- A gauge covered by water on the compromised tank indicated its temperature increased to 90 degrees from 77 Friday morning.
Residents in Garden Grove face a rising threat from an unstable toxic chemical tank that firefighters say appears likely to leak its contents or explode. Follow below for live updates.


