Hazmat Incident and Evacuation Map

Thousands of residents in parts of Orange County remained under evacuation orders May 22 after a toxic chemical leak at an aerospace manufacturing facility in Garden Grove raised fears of a possible explosion, according to fire officials.

The incident began Thursday afternoon at a chemical storage tank located at the aerospace plant, approximately 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Authorities said the leaking tank contained hazardous gases and remained unstable even after the active leak stopped Friday afternoon.

Officials from the Orange County Fire Authority said the tank was still “actively in crisis” and could not yet be secured. Fire officials warned that the situation could result in either a major chemical spill or an explosion.

Evacuation orders were issued affecting roughly 40,000 residents in nearby neighborhoods as emergency crews worked to monitor the site and establish safety perimeters. Authorities urged residents to avoid the area and follow instructions from emergency personnel.

Emergency response teams, hazardous materials crews, and local law enforcement remained on scene as officials continued assessing the condition of the tank and surrounding equipment.

No immediate reports of injuries were released by authorities as of Friday afternoon. Officials also had not announced when evacuation orders might be lifted.

Residents seeking information about the incident were advised to contact the Orange County Fire Authority Public Information Hotline at (714) 628-7085.