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

ByBianca Buono, Niku Kazori , Mónica De Anda, Amy Powell, Tim Pulliam, and Liz Nagy KABC logo
Last updated: Friday, May 29, 2026 6:37PM GMT
Cleanup phase begins after chemical tank crisis in Garden Grove

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (KABC) -- There is no longer a threat of explosion, fire or chemical leak for a damaged tank at the GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, the Orange County Fire Authority announced on Tuesday night.

All evacuation orders were officially lifted at 7:30 p.m., allowing the final 16,000 evacuated Orange County residents to return home. Initially, 50,000 residents were evacuated from their homes last week.

A tank carrying 6,500 gallons of the highly toxic chemical methyl methacrylate (MMA) became unstable last week, causing the tank to heat up uncontrollably. For a few days, officials said the tank would either explode or spill out, and either outcome was inevitable.

Eventually, the tank cracked, allowing the pressure to release and eliminating the threat of a BLEVE, which stands for Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion.

Then, crews worked a risky mission to confirm that the pressure had been released and to remove weather insulation from the outside of the tank to help the water be more efficient at cooling the temperature down.

Still, a threat remained for a fire or a small explosion. Firefighters continued to try to get the tank to stabilize and were eventually able to stop dousing it with water. On Tuesday afternoon, crews were seen freely walking around the tank and climbing on top of it.

By Tuesday night, OCFA declared that there was no longer a risk to surrounding residents and all evacuation orders were lifted. No injuries were reported.

The investigation into what caused the material in the tank to overheat is ongoing. Residents have already filed a class action lawsuit against GKN Aerospace.

Este blog se ofrece en Español, aquí.


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May 25, 2026, 12:56 AM GMT

Newsom submits request to Trump for emergency declaration

Gov. Newsom submitted a request for an emergency declaration to President Donald Trump to support ongoing response operations in Orange County.

Gov. Gavin Newsom submitted a request Saturday night for an emergency declaration to President Donald Trump to support ongoing response operations in Orange County.

"California doesn't wait for disaster to unfold, we act early to protect lives and communities," Newsom said. "Working together with our local and federal partners, we're strengthening our ability to respond quickly and effectively in Garden Grove and across the surrounding communities and ensuring that first responders have the resources they need to keep people safe."

An emergency declaration is a formal action that allows the federal government, through FEMA, to help state and local governments with resources and funds to help with evacuations, shelters, emergency medical services and other operations to keep the public safe.

On Sunday, Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, along with Congressman Derek Tran, sent a letter to the president urging quick approval.

KABC logo
May 24, 2026, 7:37 PM GMT

Angels game against Rangers in Anaheim will proceed as scheduled

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."

May 24, 2026, 7:34 PM GMT

New evacuation center opens as others reach capacity

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.

KABC logo
May 24, 2026, 7:24 PM GMT

Level of pollutants around evacuation zone normal, no contaminants observed

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.

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