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Crack Prevents Blast in Garden Grove Tank, 16,000 Evacuation Lifted

5/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A spontaneous crack in the overheated methyl methacrylate tank released pressure, averting a blast.
Orange County Fire Authority said the tank in Garden Grove is stable.
The authority lifted evacuation orders for 16,000 residents on May 27.
Fire crews sprayed the tank at 1,250 gallons per minute for five days, using nine million gallons to cool it.
Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein announced investigations after testing found no chemical release.

History

Historical Context

On March 23 2005 a BP-operated tank at the Texas City refinery exploded, killing 15 people and injuring about 180. The blast echoed the 1947 Texas City disaster that killed over 500 and highlighted long-standing safety lapses at the plant. In response, EPA and OSHA imposed record fines and new emergency-cooling rules that now guide chemical-storage safety nationwide.

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Story summary

A spontaneous crack in the overheated methyl methacrylate tank released pressure, averting a blast.
Orange County Fire Authority said the tank in Garden Grove is stable.
The authority lifted evacuation orders for 16,000 residents on May 27.
Fire crews sprayed the tank at 1,250 gallons per minute for five days, using nine million gallons to cool it.
Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein announced investigations after testing found no chemical release.

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