Evacuations expand amid California plant explosion fears
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (CNN, KYMA) - Nearly 50,000 residents are under evacuation orders in Southern California.
It's because authorities are worried a tank containing toxic chemicals could explode if it overheats.
The tank's temperature was seen rising Saturday morning, causing increased concerns over a leak or explosion.
Authorities in Southern California are desperately trying to cool off this tank that’s full of a highly toxic and flammable chemical. If it gets too hot, it could explode.
"It's been averaging about a degree an hour increasing," said Division Chief Craig Covey for the Orange County Fire Authority.
Chief Covey says the tank should be at around 50 degrees, but by Saturday, temperatures reached as high as 90.
It is happening at the GKN Aerospace plant in Orange County.
The company issuing a statement Saturday saying in part, "We are working tirelessly with all relevant experts to resolve this situation as safely as possible."
For the past two days, authorities have been spraying the tank with water to help cool it off.
It's full of methyl methacrylate, a chemical used to manufacture plastics. It can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and headaches if people are exposed, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
That's why authorities have evacuated thousands of people who live and work in the nine-square-mile area around the facility.
"We understand that this is frightening. We understand that people are worried about their homes, businesses, their pets and their loved ones," said Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein.
Shelters have been set up to help people who had to evacuate, and some hotels are offering discounts. Health officials say the air should be safe outside the evacuation area. Still, many residents say they're concerned.
"Hopefully they can do something because it's really dangerous," said Rocio Vardas, an evacuee.
"Nobody knows anything. Nobody can really give us any details about what's going on," said Jacqueline Riegos, another evacuee.
Disneyland Parks are just outside the evacuation zone in Anaheim. Mayor Ashleigh Aitkin says they are monitoring the situation very closely.
As of Saturday, both Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm remained open. For Disney, Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest times of the year for visitors.
