Fire officials have advised that the immediate threat of a significant explosion has been mitigated at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, following an ongoing chemical incident nearby. The amusement park will continue to operate as fire crews manage the situation, caused by an overheated chemical tank at a local aerospace plant.
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The incident, which began on Thursday, May 21, involved a 34,000-gallon storage tank containing methyl methacrylate—a flammable and toxic substance used in various manufacturing processes—overheating at the GKN Aerospace facility in Orange County. As a precautionary measure, authorities issued evacuation orders affecting approximately 50,000 residents in the surrounding area due to fears of a possible toxic leak or explosion.
On Sunday, May 24, Disneyland Resort released a statement confirming that there would be “no direct impact to park operations.” The resort, situated around five miles from the GKN Aerospace site, stated, “At this time, we are not inside the evacuation zone and remain open to guests.” The Resort has been closely monitoring the situation and is in regular contact with local officials.
Local residents have been advised to consult official guidance before travelling to the resort, as road closures and traffic disruptions resulting from the ongoing situation could affect access. While the park itself remains open, guests are encouraged to stay informed about any alterations to travel plans caused by the chemical incident.
By May 25, the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) reported that the risk of a BLEVE—a catastrophic explosion resulting from the failure of a pressurized container—had been significantly reduced. Fire officials conducted temperature assessments on the affected tank and determined that pressure had been alleviated. OCFA Division Chief Craig Covey stated that the temperature had decreased from 100 degrees to 93 degrees, indicating positive developments in stabilising the situation.
Despite the encouraging news, OCFA urged the public to continue following evacuation orders, emphasising the importance of safety as they work to manage the incident.
In light of the chemical incident, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has initiated an investigation into whether GKN Aerospace had effectively safeguarded public health. He encouraged employees of the company to come forward with any information that could assist in the inquiry, indicating that proactive cooperation would be viewed favourably during the investigation.
“We are aiming to get to the bottom of what happened and why the system failed,” Spitzer declared, urging anyone with knowledge of the events to share their accounts. “Those who step forward early will not face the same scrutiny as those who delay coming forward.”
As the incident continues to unfold, Disneyland Resort is actively maintaining its operations while ensuring the safety of its guests. With clear communication and guidance from local authorities, the park aims to provide a secure environment for visitors amidst external challenges. As of now, both guests and residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and heed the advice of safety officials as the situation develops.