Explosion risk still in effect
5:50 p.m. PT: FOX 11’s Matthew Seedorff reports the failing toxic chemical tank is now above the 100°F threshold on its gauge. The Orange County Fire Authority warns that the high temps signal that the risk of catastrophic failure or explosion that was feared earlier in the weekend remains.
Evacuation centers filling up fast
- Los Amigos High School, 16566 Newhope St., Fountain Valley
- Savannah High School, 301 N. Gilbert St., Anaheim, 714-220-4262
- Golden West College, 15744 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach
- John F. Kennedy High School, 8281 Walker St., La Palma [Marked as full]
- Freedom Hall, 16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley, 714-973-6600 [Marked as full]
- Oceanview High School, 17071 Gothard St., Huntington Beach [Marked as full]
Potential crack in tank could relieve pressure
McGovern said the potential crack is being evaluated, as it could change the strategy for how to best respond.Â
What’s next:
The backstory:
That’s where a 34,000-gallon storage tank containing methyl methacrylate (MMA)—a toxic, highly flammable liquid chemical used to manufacture acrylic plastics—became severely overheated.
Saturday, authorities said the tank could no longer be mitigated or secured, leaving only two final outcomes.
“One, the tank fails and spills a total of about 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of very bad chemicals into the parking lot in that area, or two, the tank goes into a thermal runaway and blows up, affecting the tanks that are around them that have fuel or the chemicals in them as well,” said Chief Covey.
First responders have constructed “containment barriers” around the site to block potential liquid runoff from entering storm drains, river channels, or the ocean.Â
Local perspective:
The boundaries cover the following areas:
Officials in Southern California clarified that the evacuation area was divided into a handful of zones, including three circular “blast zones” closest to the plant, with likely severe, moderate and light damage in the event of an explosion.
Information For Evacuees
Important Phone Numbers:Â
Thousands under evacuation orders in OC over chemical leak
Evacuation orders were initially issued Thursday, but they were lifted Thursday night when crews believed they were making progress mitigating the situation. But Friday morning, the orders were re-instituted “due to changing conditions,” according to the OCFA.
- Los Amigos High School, 16566 Newhope St., Fountain Valley
- Savannah High School, 301 N. Gilbert St., Anaheim, 714-220-4262
- Golden West College, 15744 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach
- John F. Kennedy High School, 8281 Walker St., La Palma [Marked as full]
- Freedom Hall, 16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley, 714-973-6600 [Marked as full]
- Oceanview High School, 17071 Gothard St., Huntington Beach [Marked as full]
Other helpful resources in Orange County:
The Source: This article includes information from Orange County Fire Authority and previous FOX 11 reporting.Â
