Crews Work to Mitigate Risk of Explosion at GKN Aerospace Site

McGovern informed NBC News that teams are verifying if a crack is releasing pressure in a tank. If confirmed, the risk of a BLEVE (boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion) is reduced. On Sunday night, McGovern announced an all-night operation to check if pressure relief is achieved. Updates are expected Monday. Earlier, he stated that although there’s an explosion risk, releasing the pressure could prevent the more dangerous BLEVE.

If BLEVE remains a concern, the evacuation area will expand. If resolved, the focus can shift to cooling the tank. McGovern noted air monitoring has detected no toxic air release.

Authorities are worried that a rupture at GKN Aerospace could release harmful substances into water and air.

Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The Orange County Fire Authority reported one of the three facility tanks has been neutralized with a compound. The affected tank and another remain untreated. They clarified rumors of multiple cracks, attributing some external peeling to weather-stripping, not leaks.

A GKN Aerospace spokesperson stated Sunday that risk mitigation efforts are ongoing continuously.

Division Chief Craig Covey of the Orange County Fire identified concerns about surrounding tanks containing methyl methacrylate. These tanks could explode if the main tank bursts, posing a severe chemical incident risk.

Officials indicated that a blast radius extends half a mile, threatening structural damage and toxic vapor spread. With 50,000 under evacuation, shelters are at capacity. Lydia Green, an Anaheim resident affected by evacuation, described the situation as challenging, lacking essentials such as medication, food, and shelter.

Empty streets in Garden Grove. Ethan Swope / AP

Green and Eugene Smith, her partner, have resorted to sleeping in their car, apprehensive of potential devastation affecting their home. Jaden Gebeleinis, living near the danger zone, expressed frustration over facility proximity to homes and hopes for effective risk management.

Evacuees at a temporary shelter. Blake Fagan / AFP via Getty Images

American Red Cross announced shelter capacities reaching limits for overnight stays. McGovern indicated no timeline for residents’ return. The situation began Thursday with vapor escaping from a 7,000-gallon tank, leading to further investigation and rising tank temperatures.

Efforts to cool the tank include using sprinklers. Saturday night, firefighters noted the temperature gauge pin at maximum, hinting at higher internal temperatures. Garden Grove’s proximity to Los Angeles and Disneyland heightens concern.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared an emergency, seeking federal support from President Donald Trump. McGovern cites collaborative, innovative approaches to resolve the situation safely, emphasizing family safety before allowing residents back.