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Live updates: Orange County toxic tank on path to spill or explode; experts searching for solutions

ByBianca Buono, Niku Kazori , and Mónica De Anda KABC logo
Last updated: Sunday, May 24, 2026 2:33PM GMT
OC authorities monitoring possible third option to stop tank explosion

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (KABC) -- An urgent situation is unfolding in Garden Grove, where a chemical tank at the GKN Aerospace facility has been unstable for several days and is on a path to imminent failure.

Authorities say it will likely either spill thousands of gallons of a highly toxic chemical or, even worse, explode if it fails.

The "crisis situation" has forced 50,000 people out of their homes, leaving them wondering when this will all end. Some schools were also closed on Friday.

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) says a crew was able to see an internal temperature gauge, showing that the temperature has been rising about one degree per hour since Thursday morning.

Now, authorities are preparing for the tank to fail, as well as talking to experts from across the country to find any alternative solutions.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Orange County, making additional state resources and shelter sites available.

So far, no injuries have been reported.

It was unclear what initially caused the material in the tank to overheat.

Este blog se ofrece en Español, aquí.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
KABC logo
May 24, 2026, 4:28 AM

Map shows evacuation order impacting 50,000 Orange County residents

The evacuation zone for a "crisis situation" in Garden Grove spans several blocks. Authorities say 50,000 residents are impacted. They are urging everyone in the zone to leave for their safety immediately.

The evacuation zone covers the area north of Trask Avenue, south of Ball Road, east of Valley View Street and west of Dale Street.

Small portions of West Anaheim, Cypress and Buena Park are also included in the evacuation zone, as well as the city of Stanton.

The Garden Grove Police Department said they did reverse 911 calls and went door to door, urging people to leave. They said as of Friday afternoon, there was about a 15% refusal rate.

A public information hotline was established at 714-628-7085. Another 24-hour call center is available at 714-741-5444.

City News Service contributed to this report.

KABC logo
May 22, 2026, 11:47 PM GMT

Many Garden Grove schools closed until further notice due to chemical leak

The Garden Grove Unified School District announced that classes were canceled until further notice at the following campuses due to a chemical leak at GKN Aerospace:

  • Barker Elementary School
  • Bryant
  • Carver
  • Enders Elementary School
  • Garden Park
  • Lawrence Elementary School
  • Wakeham Elementary School
  • Patton Elementary School
  • Bell Intermediate School
  • Alamitos Intermediate
  • Pacifica High School
  • Rancho Alamitos High School
  • Skylark Preschool
  • Maintenance and Operations Facility
  • Lampson Bus Yard

City News Service contributed to this report.

KABC logo
4:28 AM GMT

Map shows evacuation order impacting 50,000 Orange County residents

The evacuation zone for a "crisis situation" in Garden Grove spans several blocks. Authorities say 50,000 residents are impacted. They are urging everyone in the zone to leave for their safety immediately.

The evacuation zone covers the area north of Trask Avenue, south of Ball Road, east of Valley View Street and west of Dale Street.

Small portions of West Anaheim, Cypress and Buena Park are also included in the evacuation zone, as well as the city of Stanton.

The Garden Grove Police Department said they did reverse 911 calls and went door to door, urging people to leave. They said as of Friday afternoon, there was about a 15% refusal rate.

A public information hotline was established at 714-628-7085. Another 24-hour call center is available at 714-741-5444.

City News Service contributed to this report.

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