Garden Grove chemical tank update: Cleanup efforts to begin and legal claims mount

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.

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.

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."

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.