A chemical tank emergency at a GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, California, prompted evacuation orders after a storage tank containing methyl methacrylate overheated. AP reported that the tank held an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of the flammable chemical.

The incident began May 21, according to reports. Evacuation orders affected about 50,000 residents in nearby areas before officials began lifting restrictions. AP reported May 26 that all evacuation orders had been lifted and that officials said stabilization efforts had averted an explosion.

Officials said there was no release of contamination or fumes, though monitoring of air, sewer and storm drains was expected to continue. No injuries were reported in AP’s coverage.

Sources: AP

Methyl methacrylate has a direct materials connection to the coatings industry. A 2024 peer-reviewed study in Materials included methyl methacrylate among the monomers used to synthesize polyacrylate resins for powder coatings.