Toxic tank explosion still possible in Orange County as 40,000 evacuated

Orange County officials have desperately searched for solutions to quell an increasingly concerning toxic gas crisis, but have come up empty-handed as temperatures continue to rise in the tank containing them.

Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Craig Covey gave an update Saturday morning, saying the tank had increased from 77 degrees to 90 degrees in temperature after they incorrectly measured the outside of the tank with a drone instead of the actual liquid temperature.

“Yesterday afternoon I did report that we had some positive intel and that the tanks were stable, and we were keeping the temperature cool. And actually we thought we were reducing it a little bit,” Covey said.

“Unfortunately, I have to say those temperatures we are doing is via drone, doing readings on the external of the vessel. It’s not covering the interior temperatures inside of what actually [is in the] liquid,” he added.

He said the liquid is increasing by a degree an hour on average. But first responders aren’t ready to give up quite yet, he says, as thousands of residents have evacuated and are awaiting returning home.

“There is a lot of anxiety over this,” he said. “Just need you [to] understand we are not giving up and accepting the fact that this thing failed. We will try to find a solution. We’re working 24 hours a day today to do it. With members down range last night at 4 in the morning, we can do everything we can to mitigate this, protect your residences, protect our environment, and get you back home.”

Fire officials have said the tank could either rupture or explode, potentially releasing a cloud of toxic methyl methacrylate over the Garden Grove area. The substance is used in products found in nail salons, barber shops, and other similar settings.

Covey said it is a “highly toxic substanc” that can “impact the respiratory system, cause skin irritation and eye irritation.”

Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong said at a news conference Friday that it can cause “significant irritation in the lungs, the nasal passages,” along with nausea and dizziness. Heavy doses of the substance could “cause severe respiratory distress and hospitalization.”

Some 40,000 people have evacuated, though about 15% of residents contacted by local officials refused to leave. Shelter systems have been strained as people stream in.

Disneyland Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm said they are monitoring the situation, according to the Orange County Register. Both parks said they have not faced an impact.

Fire officials are still working through solutions, including cooling the tank with water to avoid pressure from building up, but are also preparing in case it ruptures or explodes. They say the only people at risk are the first responders, which could pull out if the situation is deemed too hazardous.