Gov. Gavin Newsom declares state of emergency over fears of toxic tank explosion

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County on Saturday after a hazardous chemical incident at an aerospace facility forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.

The emergency proclamation allows California to ramp up its response as crews continue scrambling to contain the dangerous situation and assist displaced families across the region.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County on Saturday after a hazardous chemical incident at an aerospace facility forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP

Under the order, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and other state agencies have been directed to support Orange County and local jurisdictions dealing with the fallout from the incident.

The declaration also unlocks additional emergency powers and resources, including the possible use of state-owned properties and fairgrounds as temporary shelters for evacuated residents if needed.

Officials have not yet said when residents may be allowed to return home as emergency crews continue monitoring the hazardous conditions surrounding the aerospace facility.

This is a developing story.

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