OC toxic tank on path to spill or explode; crews find crack in tank that could be relieving pressure

The Orange County Fire Authority is asking the public to refrain from calling with suggestions on how to handle the chemical tank leak.

"At this time, we ask the public to refrain from calling to offer suggestions so emergency personnel can keep communication lines focused on incident operations and public safety needs. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation," OCFA said in a post on X.

Seniors at Kennedy High School in the Anaheim Union High School District missed their graduation ceremony on Friday due to a chemical tank crisis happening at an aerospace facility in Garden Grove.

The district announced the Kennedy High School graduation, which was scheduled for 2 p.m., would be canceled due to the evacuation orders and emergency response happening in Orange County.

Kennedy High School and Handel Stadium are not located within the evacuation zone, but authorities said the decision was made "out of an abundance of caution and in the best interest of the safety and well-being of our students, families, staff, and community."

Small portions of West Anaheim and Cypress are included in the evacuation zone impacting 40,000 Orange County residents.

In a later announcement, the district announced the graduation ceremony was rescheduled for Tuesday, May 26, at 6 p.m. at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The district said further details regarding guest entry, parking and more will be shared by Kennedy High School.

The County of Orange Registrar of Voters says the voting center at the Garden Grove Sports and Recreation Center will not be operating Saturday, until further notice. The facility is serving as a care and shelter site for displaced residents.

"This emergency will not prevent residents from voting," county Supervisor Katrina Foley said in a statement. "The County of Orange Registrar of Voters moved quickly to protect voters, election workers, and displaced families while keeping voting access open. If you evacuated without your ballot, go to any Vote Center, request a replacement ballot, and cast your vote safely. Public safety comes first, and voter access continues."

The city also announced ballot drop boxes in the evacuation area remain unavailable. Those drop boxes include: Stanton Branch Library, Korean Martyrs Catholic Center and Chapman Sports Park.

Voters displaced by the evacuation may visit any vote center in Orange County to cast their ballot, the county said. Voters who evacuated without their ballot may request a replacement ballot at any vote center.

Small portions of West Anaheim and Cypress are included in the evacuation zone as crews work toward a solution for a chemical tank in crisis at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove.

The evacuation zone covers the area north of Trask Avenue, south of Ball Road, east of Valley View Street and west of Dale Street. Approximately 40,000 residents live in the area, according to authorities.

A small part of West Anaheim overlaps in the area of the zone south of Ball Road between Dale Avenue and Fremont Street. A small portion of Cypress is also included in the zone just west of the impacted Anaheim area.

"Firefighters are actively working to cool an overheated tank and are clearing neighborhoods in the extended vicinity as a precaution," the city of Anaheim wrote in a post on social media.

Evacuation centers were established at the Garden Grove Sports and Recreation Center at 13641 Deodara Dr. in Garden Grove and the Cypress Recreation and Community Center at 5700 Orange Ave. in Cypress.

An Anaheim care and reception area was established at Savanna High School, located at 301. N. Gilbert Street.