GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (KABC) -- Authorities are urgently trying to stop a pressurized tank filled with a toxic chemical at the GKN Aerospace facility from exploding in Garden Grove.
The "crisis situation" has forced 50,000 people out of their homes in Orange County.
In a Sunday afternoon update, Orange County Fire Authority Interim Chief TJ McGovern said firefighters did "a recon mission on the tank" late Saturday night, during which they were able to visually inspect it.
"What they found was a potential crack in the tank, which could potentially be relieving some of the pressure in there," McGovern said, adding that they were now "vetting and validating" the new information, which "could change our trajectory and our strategy to this event."
The OCFA said in a subsequent update that 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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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.
The Los Angeles Angels said Sunday night's game against the Texas Rangers will proceed as scheduled amid the ongoing chemical tank investigation.
"We are closely monitoring the ongoing situation and remain in contact with local officials," read a statement from the Angels organization. "At this time, there are no changes to tonight's scheduled game against the Rangers."
A new evacuation center has been established as several others begin to reach capacity.
According to the American Red Cross, the new center is in Fountain Valley at Los Amigos High School, located at 16566 Newhope St. Officials said pets are welcome and the center is available for overnight stays.
The centers at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, Savanna High School in Anaheim, Freedom Hall in Fountain Valley, John F. Kennedy High School in La Palma, and Oceanview High School in Huntington Beach are listed as "nearing/at capacity."
The Red Cross said those impacted are still welcome to stop by those locations to use other shelter services or grab a meal or a snack.
According to the Orange County Fire Authority, any areas outside of the evacuation zone are considered "completely safe" and noted that day-to-day activities can resume as normal.
Firefighters gathered "positive intel" during an overnight operation that could shift the response strategy for the chemical tank crisis in Garden Grove, officials said during a Sunday morning update posted on social media.
A specialized team of subject matter experts developed a plan to get eyes on the tank. During the operation, firefighters were able to visually examine the tank and discovered a potential crack, which may be helping relieve pressure.
"During that operation, our firefighters went in, and they were able to visualize the tank," said Interim Orange County Fire Authority Chief TJ McGovern. "What they found was a potential crack in the tank, which could potentially be relieving some of the pressure in there."
He said officials are now reviewing and confirming that information, which could play a key role in determining how crews move forward.
"We took that information, we got data on it, and right now this morning, what we're doing is we are vetting and validating that information," McGovern said. "With this new information, it could change our trajectory and our strategy to this event."
McGovern said the operation was successful, although the situation is not yet resolved.
"We're not there yet, but this was a step in a right direction, and there's going to be a lot more coming shortly," he said.
"Your protection, your life safety is our paramount responsibility right now," McGovern added. "We know you're out of your homes, we want to get you back, but we cannot do that until it's deemed safe."
