Emergency officials have confirmed that the worst-case scenario (explosion) concerning the malfunctioning chemical tank at GNK Aerospace has been narrowly avoided, following the discovery of a crack in the tank and a subsequent drop in internal temperature. Firefighters verified the improved status of the situation, providing much-needed relief to the over 40 thousands of residents in North Orange County currently under evacuation orders.
Since Thursday, the Orange County Fire Authority has been working around the clock to assess the situation and balance the risks of a potential chemical leak against the possibility of an explosion. Incident Commander Craig Covey addressed the public during a news conference on Friday, stating that while a smaller explosion could still occur, the danger zones have been significantly reduced.
As of May 25, evacuation orders remain in effect for several areas, including parts of Anaheim, Buena Park, Garden Grove, and Westminster. Notably, nearly the entire City of Stanton, encompassing both the city hall and the police station, is also included in the evacuation zones. Four out of six evacuation centers established to assist displaced residents have reached full capacity, amplifying the urgency of the situation.
Despite the ongoing threat, the Fire Authority reported on May 25 that no chemical leaks had been detected, based on data from atmospheric monitoring protocols. Officials stressed that the situation remains unpredictable as they continue to monitor the tank and implement measures to ensure the safety and well-being of surrounding communities.
Health Advisory: Methyl Methacrylate Incident in Garden Grove Leads to Evacuations
A hazardous materials incident has prompted mandatory evacuation orders in Garden Grove due to the potential release of Methyl Methacrylate (MMA), a highly flammable and potentially toxic chemical commonly used in the production of plastics, coatings, and adhesives.
Authorities established evacuation boundaries based on modeling scenarios to ensure public safety amid fears of a possible onsite explosion. Residents within the designated evacuation zone are urged to comply with these orders until further notice. Emergency response teams are working diligently to stabilize the liquid MMA stored in specialized enclosed tanks, monitoring temperature to prevent any reactions and excessive vapor production.
As of now, air quality officials report that no harmful contaminants have been detected, thanks to the deployment of multiple stationary and mobile air monitors. Experts emphasize that exposure to MMA is not anticipated as long as evacuation protocols are followed. However, individuals with underlying health conditions or symptoms such as shortness of breath, throat or eye irritation, or vomiting are advised to seek medical attention. For those requiring guidance, the California Poison Control System can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.
Methyl Methacrylate is a clear, highly reactive organic compound characterized by its sharp, fruity odor. It poses serious risks, being both toxic and flammable. Under certain conditions, MMA can undergo polymerization, a reaction that generates heat and pressure, potentially leading to the release of vapors or explosions. Consequently, MMA is stored in secure containers designed to minimize the risk of vapor release and ignition, often shipped with inhibitors to prevent unwanted reactions.
MMA is widely utilized in manufacturing shatter-resistant acrylic materials like Plexiglas, resin coatings, and dental materials such as crowns and fillings. Surgeons also use MMA to create bone cement for orthopedic procedures.
In the event of an explosion, MMA could be released into the atmosphere as a gas or react to form hazardous compounds, potentially igniting secondary fires. Fire and flying debris are additional dangers associated with such incidents.
MMA is quickly vaporized when released as a liquid, with a short atmospheric half-life. It degrades in water over several hours to days and can potentially contaminate groundwater if it seeps into the soil.
Individuals near the incident may sense MMA at low levels due to its distinctive smell, serving as an early warning. However, reliance on odor alone is not safe; vapors can accumulate quickly, particularly in enclosed spaces. Local authorities will issue reports on air concentrations for accurate exposure assessment.
To mitigate risks, community members are advised to adhere strictly to evacuation instructions and thoroughly wash any skin and clothing following potential contact with MMA.
As the situation develops, local officials will continue to provide updates to ensure community safety.
Guidance for Healthcare Facilities
To maintain alignment with local and state Unified Command:
1. Continue to monitor official health department and Unified Command updates, including OCFA social media releases and press conferences.
2. Facilities with ReddiNet accounts should be monitoring system messages and responding to status surveys. Track patients arriving from the incident in ReddiNet.
3. Review the local health advisory.
4. Activate or prepare your internal incident command structure. Consider partial or full HICS activation is determined by conditions and anticipated patient volume at each location.
5. Review disaster preparedness protocols, including: evacuation protocols, transportation agreements with ambulance and wheelchair service providers; agreements with other facilities to accept evacuated patients; and notifications to families of evacuated patients’ locations.
6. Prepare for potential patient presentations. Facilities may see:
- Patients with mild respiratory or mucous membrane irritation
- Anxiety-related presentations
- Medically fragile evacuees (e.g., dialysis patients, individuals with limited mobility)
- Pregnant individuals or families seeking reassurance
7. Staff Safety Standard: Consumer masks (surgical or N95) do not provide reliable protection from MMA vapors. Facilities should:
- Follow hazardous material precautions
- Rely on air monitoring updates from local health, fire agencies, and Incident Command
8. Maintain coordination with local Incident Command. This includes updates on:
- Evacuation area health needs
- Facility surge conditions
- Environmental monitoring results
- Public messaging
Resources
Please use the following for official information channels:
- Orange County Public Information Hotline: 714-628-7085
- Garden Grove Emergency Hotline: 714-741-5444
- California Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
- Behavioral Health Support:1-855-OC-LINKS or 1-855-625-4657 o https://ocnavigator.org/m/ocn
- CDPH Health Advisory: Information on Methyl Methacrylate (MMA)
- EMS Duty Officer 1-714-415-8980 (phone number is available 24/7) or EMSDutyOfficer@ochca.com
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