The waiting game continued on Saturday for thousands of evacuees across Orange County as crews worked around the clock on that hazardous chemical emergency at an aerospace facility in Garden Grove.
Here’s the latest:
The latest video from OCFA:
OCFA posted this video on X just before 6 p.m.
***CRITICAL INCIDENT UPDATE** pic.twitter.com/Gz2YSQEm3M
— OCFA (@OCFireAuthority) May 24, 2026
Governor Newsom declares a state of emergency:
On Saturday, Gov. Newsom issued a state of emergency in Orange County, adding that the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services “has been mobilized for over 24 hours and state agencies are supporting impacted communities to protect public safety, and assist local officials as response efforts continue.”
He urged residents to listen to emergency officials.
OC District Attorney to investigate
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced his office was launching an investigation into the company that owns the malfunctioning storage tank in Garden Grove.
“It is certainly unreasonable to believe that any responsible defense contractor that makes aircraft windows and uses volatile chemicals in the process would have failures of its cooling system that maintains the safety level of its chemicals,” Spitzer told the Orange County Register.
The outlet also reported that a tipline was established for people who have information about what led up to the toxic spill. The number, according to the outlet, is 714-347-8714. You can also email prosecutors at tipster@ocdistrictattorney.gov.
OCFA officials reveal explosion impact map
In a video posted on X, OCFA Division Chief Nick Freeman shared a map that shows what areas could be impacted should there be an explosion:
Here it is:
There is understandable concern about an explosion as one of the possible outcomes. OCFA Division Chief Nick Freeman and Dr. CK, the Orange County Health Officer, provide an operational and health care perspective on the evacuation zones that account for that possibility. pic.twitter.com/cesHDsMcgY
— OCFA (@OCFireAuthority) May 23, 2026
Evacuation centers
- Freedom Hall at 16801 Euclid St.
- Ocean View High School at 17071 Gothard St.
- Savanna High School at 301 N. Gilbert St.
- Kennedy High School at 8281 Walker St.
- Golden West College at 15744 Goldenwest St.
You can view the evacuation map for the city of Garden Grove HERE.
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