The Governor of California declared a state of emergency in Orange County after a hazardous chemical leak, with fire officials warning there is a risk that the chemical could spill further or even explode.
On 23 May 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County while the state continues to support local agencies following a hazardous chemical leak at an aerospace facility, which led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of nearby residents.
The incident occurred at the GKN Aerospace plant in Garden Grove, where a tank containing “methyl methacrylate,” a chemical used to manufacture plastic parts for the aviation industry, experienced abnormal high heat on Thursday (21 May) before releasing a large amount of vapor into the air.
Authorities ordered evacuations in Garden Grove and expanded the evacuation zone to parts of five other cities—Cypress, Stanton, Anaheim, Buena Park, and Westminster—totaling about 40,000 people.
The emergency declaration directed the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and all state agencies to support Orange County and affected local agencies in managing the emergency, allowing access to additional resources and emergency powers.
This includes opening state-owned properties and city event spaces to serve as shelters for evacuees as needed.
“The safety of Orange County residents is our top priority. We are mobilizing all state resources to support local rescue teams and ensure the community has everything necessary for their safety,” Governor Newsom stated.
Cal OES Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs said, “We are committed to coordinating all state agencies with a focus on community safety.”
Earlier, Orange County Fire Authority Chief Craig Covey said the chemical tank leak was at risk of failing in one of two ways: either a spill of thousands of gallons of toxic chemicals or an explosion. Authorities remain uncertain when or how the incident will conclude.
“There are only two possible outcomes now,” Chief Covey said. “Either the tank is damaged, causing approximately 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of hazardous chemicals to spill and flood the parking area, or the tank undergoes an uncontrollable heat reaction and explodes, potentially affecting nearby tanks containing fuel or chemicals as well.”
Covey emphasized, “Currently, there is no gas leak or toxic smoke in the area,” but he warned residents to strictly follow evacuation orders and avoid the area due to the risk of chemical spills or explosions.