Officials in Orange County are grappling with a mounting toxic gas crisis as rising temperatures in a storage tank add to the urgency of the situation. Despite their efforts, solutions remain elusive.
During a Saturday morning briefing, Craig Covey, Division Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority, reported an increase in the tank’s temperature, from 77 to 90 degrees. This escalation was discovered after realizing that previous measurements, taken via drone, only assessed the tank’s exterior rather than the temperature of the liquid inside.
“Yesterday, I shared some optimistic news, believing the tank was stable and cooling,” Covey explained. “However, it turns out our readings were based on the outside of the tank, not the temperatures of the liquid within.”
Covey noted that the liquid’s temperature is rising at an average rate of one degree per hour. Despite the challenges, he emphasized that the emergency response team remains determined, especially as thousands of evacuated residents await the all-clear to return home.
“There’s a lot of anxiety surrounding this situation,” he acknowledged. “I want you to know we’re not giving up. We’re focused on finding a solution, working tirelessly around the clock. With teams on the ground since early morning, we’re doing everything possible to mitigate the issue, protect homes, safeguard the environment, and get you back safely.”
“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.
