Representative Derek Tran Announces Portions of Evacuation Order Lifted in Garden Grove Hazardous Materials “Western Incident”

Garden Grove, CA - U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) has been briefed by the Orange County Fire Authority that the imminent threat of a catastrophic explosion at the GKN Aerospace plant, known as the "Western Incident," has been lifted. While there is still a potential risk to the immediate area within the updated boundaries of the evacuation zone, 65% of residents will be permitted to return to their homes effective 6:00 PM PST.

View the updated map HERE. Click HEREto follow updated evacuation information.

"I am grateful for the tireless work of the OC Fire Authority, local police, and emergency response professionals to mitigate this crisis and keep our community safe. I am also grateful for Governor Gavin Newsom's leadership during this crisis. While there remains an immediate potential risk, the work of the OC Fire Authority is moving in the right direction," said Representative Derek Tran. "I encourage everyone in the affected area to follow guidance from local authorities and avoid the updated zones. Our community is rightfully angry and, now that the threat has been reduced, our work will immediately prioritize demanding accountability from all responsible actors. I'll continue working with local, state, and federal partners to ensure our residents get the answers and relief they deserve."

Affected residents can view information about the updated evacuation zone and the capacity of Evacuation Centers at ggcity.org/emergency and ocsheriff.gov/resources-during-disaster.

On Thursday, May 21, Orange County Fire Authority crews received reports of a chemical leak from a storage tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove. A leak of methyl methacrylate, a volatile and flammable chemical, from a 34,000-gallon storage tank was confirmed, prompting evacuations in the surrounding area. Representative Tran is working closely with federal and local authorities to monitor the situation and respond to the community's public safety needs.

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Congressman Derek Tran represents California's 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.