Thousands Evacuated as Toxic Vapours Spread in California Suburb

Authorities in Orange County have declared a state of emergency after a chemical storage tank at an aerospace plastics facility in Garden Grove overheated and began releasing vapours into the air, raising fears of a possible explosion or hazardous leak.

According to the Orange County Fire Authority, the storage tank contained between 22,700 and 26,500 litres of methyl methacrylate, a chemical described by authorities as highly volatile, toxic, and flammable.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in response to the incident as emergency crews worked to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation.

Officials said approximately 50,000 residents were placed under evacuation orders due to the potential risk posed by the chemical vapours and the possibility of an explosion. Additional shelters have been opened to accommodate displaced residents.

Emergency response teams, hazmat units, and firefighters remain deployed around the affected area while authorities continue monitoring air quality and the condition of the tank. Residents have been advised to avoid the area and follow official safety instructions.

Methyl methacrylate is commonly used in the production of plastics and acrylic materials but can pose serious health and fire hazards when exposed to heat or released into the environment in large quantities.