Explosion threat eliminated at chemical tank near Los Angeles

The threat of an explosion has been eliminated at a toxic chemical tank in Orange County, California, after crews confirmed that the tank had cracked, released pressure and stabilized, according to fire officials. Evacuation zones remain in place while authorities review whether they can be reduced.

The tank is at the GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, a city in Orange County southeast of Los Angeles. GKN Aerospace is a UK-based company that supplies parts for aircraft.

Authorities have been trying to stabilize a tank containing about 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a highly flammable chemical used to make plastic. Officials had warned that the tank was under pressure and at risk of failure, raising the possibility of a toxic chemical leak or explosion.

“We are happy to report that the threat of a BLEVE is now off the table,” Orange County Fire Authority Interim Fire Chief T.J. McGovern said. “That threat has been eliminated.”

A BLEVE, or boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion, can happen when a pressurized container holding a volatile liquid fails, creating an explosion and fire hazard.

Fire crews first identified a possible crack in the tank during a late-night inspection on Sunday, raising the possibility that pressure inside the tank was being released.

Incident Commander Chief Craig Covey said firefighters went back into the exclusion zone on Monday to inspect the tank, verify that the crack was present and check its temperature.

“The crack is there, we have verified that and the tank has released its pressure,” Covey said. “In addition to that, the temperature has been stabilized and actually reducing.”

Covey said the tank’s temperature was down to 93 degrees from 100 degrees, calling it “incredible positive news.”

Fire officials later said that, because the BLEVE threat had been eliminated, fire and law enforcement officials were re-evaluating evacuation zones. Residents were told not to enter the evacuation zones until officials announce changes.

A press conference with more details is scheduled at 6 p.m. local time.