Garden Grove
Chemical Leak Investigation

The Incident

What is being investigated

According to news reports and statements from the Orange County Fire Authority, a storage tank at an industrial facility on Western Avenue in Garden Grove began releasing methyl methacrylate — a volatile, flammable chemical used to manufacture acrylic plastics — on the afternoon of May 21, 2026. Officials described the situation as a crisis and warned the tank could fail or ignite.

In response, authorities ordered the evacuation of an estimated 40,000 residents across a wide area of northern Garden Grove, and nearby schools were closed. We are currently investigating the circumstances of the release and the potential exposure of residents, workers, and others who were in the area.

Details above reflect publicly reported information from local authorities and news outlets and are subject to change as more facts become known. Nothing on this page should be read as a finding that any party violated the law.

Who May Qualify

You may be affected if…

Reported evacuation orders covered the area generally north of Garden Grove Boulevard, east of Monarch Street, south of Orangewood Avenue, and west of Beach Boulevard. You may qualify for this investigation if, on or around May 21, 2026, you:

• Lived in the affected area of Garden Grove
• Were required to leave your home because of the release
• Experienced symptoms you believe may be related to chemical exposure
• Incurred costs — lodging, medical care, lost wages, or property impacts — as a result

Not sure whether you qualify? Complete the short, confidential form — it takes a few minutes and there is no cost or obligation.

Reported Health Concerns

Possible exposure symptoms

Public health information indicates that short-term exposure to methyl methacrylate vapor may cause irritation and other symptoms. Reported effects include:

• Irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, or throat
• Coughing, shortness of breath, or other breathing difficulty
• Headache, nausea, or dizziness

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek medical attention immediately. This page is for informational purposes and is not medical advice. Keeping a record of any symptoms and medical visits may be helpful.

Your Rights

Why this matters

People who are exposed to a chemical release or forced to evacuate their homes may, in some circumstances, be entitled to pursue compensation for harms such as medical costs, evacuation and relocation expenses, lost income, and other losses. Whether any individual has a claim depends on the specific facts.

You will not be responsible for any fees or costs unless we obtain compensation for you.

How It Works

Three simple steps