24 minutes ago
Trump has signed federal emergency declaration, officials say
President Trump has signed a federal emergency declaration for the Garden Grove district, according to Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen and Congressman Derek Tran.
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Threat of massive explosion at OC chemical tank eliminated; evacs still in place
Last updated: Monday, May 25, 2026 6:15PM GMT
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (KABC) -- There is no longer a threat of a catastrophic explosion at a tank filled with a toxic chemical at the GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, officials says Monday.
The "crisis situation" has forced 50,000 people out of their homes in Orange County for several days.
Crews worked overnight on a risky mission to confirm if the pressure in the tank was releasing after a crack was discovered.
In a Monday morning update, the Orange County Fire Authority said the threat of a BLEVE, which stands for Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion, at the site "is now off the table."
Officials said the crisis is not averted, however, there is still a chance of a significantly smaller explosion or leak.
Residents are being asked to continue to avoid the evacuation zone. Any areas outside of the evacuation zone "are currently considered completely safe and day-to-day activities can continue as normal."
So far, no injuries have been reported.
It was unclear what initially caused the material in the tank to overheat.
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Key Headlines
- 1 hour and 12 minutes ago
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- May 24, 2026, 7:08 AM GMT
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- May 22, 2026, 11:55 PM GMT
Here's how the news is developing.
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.
1 hour and 12 minutes ago
'Crisis is not averted,' smaller explosion or leak still possible, officials say
Crisis at the Garden Grove chemical tank is not over, officials clarified Monday morning.
"Crisis is not averted," OCFA Interim Fire Chief TJ McGovern said, adding the most catastrophic explosion threat has been eliminated due to a crack in the tank relieving pressure.
McGovern said if an explosion or a leak were to occur, it would be significantly smaller than the initial worst-case scenario.
"We still have potential for an explosion that it's not as bad as a BLEVE, but it's still a threat," McGovern said. "There was still a threat out there, and we need the public to keep to those evacuation zones until we deem it safe for them to come back."
Evacuations remain in place.
3 hours and 18 minutes ago
No longer threat of explosion at chemical tank, officials say
The threat of a catastrophic explosion at the Garden Grove chemical tank "has been eliminated," officials announced Monday.
In a video posted to social media, the Orange County Fire Authority said the tank "has released its pressure." Officials added that the tank's temperature has stabilized and is reducing. It's currently at 93 degrees.
Although an explosion appears to have been averted, evacuation orders are still in effect. It's unclear when residents will be allowed to return home.
3 hours and 28 minutes ago
Efforts to help evacuees cast ballots in upcoming election
Efforts are underway to help those evacuees in Garden Grove cast their ballots in the upcoming California primary election, which is a little more than a week away.
Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen says the Registrar of Voters will be sending staff to emergency shelters within the next day or two to help evacuees cast their ballots.
"I know the election is around the corner and most of folks have left their ballot at home. Do not go home and get your ballot. We will be bringing the Registrar of Voters to the shelters to make sure that you can get access to your ballot," she said in a video posted on X.
The registrar's office says all voters, including those displaced by the evacuation, may visit any of the county's vote centers to cast their ballots.
Meanwhile, one of the centers that was supposed to open this weekend at the Garden Grove Sports and Recreation Center is closed until further notice because the site is being used as an evacuation center.
