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

Last updated: Sunday, May 24, 2026 6:08AM GMT
Toxic tank on path to spill or explode in Orange County

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 went into the site overnight, despite the life-threatening conditions. The 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.

California 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.

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
36 minutes ago

Firefighters seen surrounding tank at center of chemical crisis in OC

AIR7 video shows firefighters back at the scene of a toxic chemical tank crisis at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove.

AIR7 video shows firefighters back at the scene of a toxic chemical tank crisis at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove.

Fire crews have mostly been staying away from the property, which is at imminent risk of exploding or spilling as the toxic chemical inside the tank continues to heat up.

Around 10:40 p.m. Saturday, crews with flashlights were seen surrounding the tank. Officials said the firefighters are part of a larger effort to try to find any solution they can to stop a potential disaster.

Earlier in the night, firefighters were again seen outside the tank. In that instance, officials said they had to usher members of the water department onto the property because there were issues with the water line being used to try to cool the tank.

KABC logo
1 hour and 56 minutes ago

Orange County DA seeks tips regarding cause of chemical tank crisis

The Orange County District Attorney's Office has established an anonymous tip hotline and online reporting form to gather information on the chemical tank crisis unfolding in Garden Grove.

The incident has forced the evacuation of 50,000 Orange County residents as a tank containing an extremely toxic chemical remains under threat of exploding or spilling at GKN Aerospace.

Anyone with information related to the circumstances of what led up to the incident, including but not limited to specific details of the release, information about the industrial operations of the facility, the quality and frequency of maintenance of the tanks and systems at issue and any other relevant information at GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems, is encouraged to call the Orange County District Attorney Anonymous Tip Hotline at 714-347-8714 or fill out an anonymous online form at www.ocdistrictattorney.gov.

Anonymous tips can also be emailed to tipster@ocdistrictattorney.gov.

The DA's office says the information submitted will assist law enforcement in investigating the origin of the tank crisis and identifying those responsible.

For now, it's unknown what caused the methyl methacrylate in the tank to begin overheating.

KABC logo
3 hours and 59 minutes ago

LA mayor says Orange County chemical tank crisis poses no risk to city

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says city officials are closely monitoring a chemical tank crisis unfolding in Garden Grove, impacting tens of thousands of Orange County residents.

Bass says the Los Angeles Fire Department has confirmed that the city of 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," Bass wrote in a statement on social media. "The LAFD is on standby, ready to offer any further assistance and resources should they be needed. All Angelenos should avoid the area."

KABC logo
1:46 AM GMT

Uber offering free rides for Orange County evacuees

Rideshare app Uber is offering support for Orange County residents impacted by the chemical tank emergency in Garden Grove.

Uber is offering all impacted residents traveling to temporary shelters free rides up to $40.

"We're in close contact with local officials and emergency responders and want to help make sure anyone who needs to get to safety has access to transportation," said Ramona Prieto, Uber's Head of Policy and Communications for the Western U.S. "As the situation continues to evolve, we stand ready to support impacted communities however we can."

The discount applies to rides requested from designated locations within the evacuation order and heading to the following locations:

  • Freedom Hall at Mile Square Regional Park: 16801 Euclid Street, Fountain Valley
  • John F. Kennedy High School: 8281 Walker Street, La Palma
  • Savanna High School: 301 North Gilbert Street, Anaheim
  • Oceanview High School: 17071 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach
  • Garden Grove Sports & Recreation Center:13641 Deodara Dr, Garden Grove
  • Cypress Community Center: 5700 Orange Ave, Cypress

To redeem the discount, riders must apply the promo code "OCSAFE26" in the wallet section of their Uber app prior to requesting the ride. The offer is valid for two trips per rider, up to $40 per ride, through May 25. Driver earnings will not be affected by the discount, though the promo code does not apply to tips.