Hazardous Materials Incident
Latest Updates
Recent Updates
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Street Closure UpdateLampson Ave and Western Ave are now open
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Evacuation Zone Lifted
Effective May 26, 7:30PM, all evacuation orders have been lifted.
Resources
Small Business Resources
OC Workforce is sharing county resources for small businesses impacted by the incident.
Businesses affected by the incident are encouraged to complete the SBA Assistance Worksheet:
Complete the SBA Assistance Worksheet
Completed worksheets should be submitted to the OC Sheriff's EOC Team at:
EOCLiaison@ocsheriff.gov
Upcoming Webinar
The SBDC is hosting a free webinar for businesses impacted by the chemical incident.
Date: Friday, May 29, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
The webinar will be offered in:
- English
- Spanish
- Vietnamese
- Korean
Attendees will receive information on available federal, state, county, and local resources, business support services, and guidance for impacted businesses.
Additional Resources
Orange County/Inland Empire (OC/IE) Small Business Resources - Garden Grove Chemical Crisis
For businesses located in the Orange County area.
Outsmart Disaster - CA Office of the Small Business Advocate
A state resource to help businesses prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Evacuation Orders Lifted — Garden Grove Hazardous Materials Incident
All evacuation orders related to the Garden Grove hazardous materials incident have been lifted.
Unified Command (Fire, Law, EPA, and County Health) have confirmed there is:
- No chemical leak
- No threat of explosion
- No threat of fire
- No risk to the public
Shelter Locations in Orange County
Following a successful emergency response effort, local officials have announced the formal closure of four evacuation shelters. The locations officially ending shelter services include Golden West College, Los Amigos High School and Los Alamitos High School. Ongoing support services and recovery resources remain fully available to the community. Please visit OCGOV.com for additional information.
The following locations will be non-operational at 1900 hrs on May 27, 2026
Name: Location/Address:
- Golden West College - 15744 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach, CA 92647
- Los Amigos High School - 16566 Newhope St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
- Los Alamitos High School - 3591 W. Cerritos Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720
City of Garden Grove Hazardous Chemical Incident - Frequently Asked Questions
(Last Updated: May 27 8:14am)
How to Stay Up to Date With the Latest Incident Information
- How do I get the latest information?
Subscribe to ALERT OC by going to this website to sign up or texting ALERTOC to 888-777.
Monitor City of Garden Grove Social Media Accounts and Website
- Facebook: @GardenGroveCityHall
- X: @CityGardenGrove
- Instagram: @gardengrovecityhall
- Nextdoor: City of Garden Grove
- YouTube: @GardenGroveTV3
- Mobile App: Download from your App Store
- City Website: ggcity.org/emergency
Monitor Orange County Fire Authority Social Media Accounts
The City of Garden Grove contracts with OCFA for fire protection. Obtain updates from:
- Facebook: OCFireAuthority
- Instagram: @ocfireauthority
- X (formerly Twitter): @OCFireAuthority
Visit the County of Orange Incident Website
The County is providing updates at https://ocgov.com/page/garden-grove-chemical-spill-incident
- How can residents ask questions not answered on the website?
The City has opened a Hotline:
Garden Grove Emergency Hotline: (714) 741-5444
- How can residents report accessibility needs, transportation needs, or other urgent support needs?
Call the City's Hotline: Garden Grove Emergency Hotline: (714) 741-5444
- Garden Grove Emergency Hotline Operation Hours
Wednesday, May 27 - until 8pm
Thursday, May 28 - 7:30am until 8pm
Evacuation Safety Information
- How will I know when I can return home?
As of 8:14am May 27, All evacuation orders related to the Garden Grove hazardous materials incident have been lifted.
Evacuation and reentry decisions are made by public safety officials based on conditions in the affected area. Residents and businesses should follow official instructions from OCFA, the City of Garden Grove Police Department, and the City of Garden Grove.
State of Emergency Declaration
- What does it mean to have the City and the State declare an Emergency?
The City's declaration is the first step because the emergency is occurring within the city's jurisdiction. It lets the city:
- Activate its emergency operations plan
- Use emergency purchasing and contracting procedures
- Coordinate with county/state agencies
- Issue local orders if needed
- Formally request outside help
The State's declaration adds a higher level of authority and resources. It does not replace the city's role; it supports it. The city remains the front-line responding agency, while the state can bring in additional capacity, waive procedural barriers, coordinate mutual aid, and help open funding/reimbursement channels.
In addition to the local emergency declaration, President Trump has issued a federal emergency declaration that will provide federal assistance to support local response efforts.
Claims, Reimbursement, Insurance
- The evacuations have caused disruptions to my and my family's lives. What will those responsible do to make this right? Will I get compensation?
Those evacuated are encouraged to contact their homeowner's or renters' insurance companies. Businesses should also contact their insurance providers.
Role of the City of Garden Grove
- What is the City of Garden Grove doing about the incident?
The City's fire protection contractor, the Orange County Fire Authority, has led the response to address and resolve the immediate crisis. The role of the City of Garden Grove has been to address all other impacts of the chemical emergency.
For more detailed information on how various City Departments are working to support the community during the crisis response, visit this link.
For the latest incident response information, residents and business owners should monitor the OCFA and OC Sheriff's Department websites, social media channels, and traditional news media outlets.
- What is the City doing to help affected residents and businesses?
The City is fully engaged and working across departments to support the community during this emergency. This includes:
- Helping coordinate information
- Supporting access and reentry planning
- Coordinating shelters and staff
- Identifying resident and business needs
- Connecting affected people with available resources
The City recognizes the hardship this emergency is creating and is focused on helping residents and businesses return to normal as safely and quickly as possible.
- Is City Hall open for regular business?
Yes. City Hall is open and City employees will continue to serve our community.
Incident Updates (May 21 - May 26)
5/25/26 at 6:00 p.m.
Garden Grove Hazardous Materials Incident Press Conference
5/25/26 at 6:00 p.m. — Update
Evacuation Zone Reduced
Local Law Enforcement has reduced the Evacuation zone to the area between Orangewood, Dale, Garden Grove Blvd. and Knott in response to the ongoing issue in Garden Grove.
5/25/26 at 2:20 p.m.
Official Video Update
5/23/26 at 3:00 p.m.
Official Video Update
5/23/26 at 2:00 p.m.
Official Video Update
5/23/26 at 10:00 a.m.
Official Video Update
5/22/26 at 7:30 p.m. - Update
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Parade and Strawberry Stomp Postponed5/22/26 at 11:45 a.m.
Official Video Update