California Deploys Over 785 Personnel in Response to Orange County Hazardous Materials Incident
Photo Credit: California Governor’s Office
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., May 26, 2026 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — State government officials announced that more than 785 state and local emergency personnel have been mobilized in response to a chemical incident in Garden Grove that prompted evacuations across Orange County.
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Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency and requested a federal emergency declaration following the incident. The State Operations Center has been activated and is operating 24 hours a day to coordinate response efforts.
According to state officials, 71 staff members are assigned to statewide coordination efforts. Through mutual aid, 421 local law enforcement officers and 170 firefighters are assisting with incident response operations. Three specialized hazardous materials teams, along with additional disaster logistics, fire and rescue personnel, and law enforcement coordinators, remain deployed. Thirty California Highway Patrol officers are assisting with traffic control and evacuation operations.
“California is mobilizing every available resource to protect impacted communities and support local response efforts. We are working hand-in-hand with local officials and emergency personnel to keep people safe, support evacuations and sheltering operations, monitor environmental conditions, and ensure communities receive timely and accurate information,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
State health and environmental agencies are conducting ongoing air and environmental monitoring. Twenty-four scientists, toxicologists, and engineers from the California Environmental Protection Agency, the California Air Resources Board, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, and the California Water Boards are coordinating monitoring efforts. Twenty real-time air monitoring devices have been deployed to track volatile organic compounds and particulate matter.
The California Department of Public Health is coordinating with local health officials regarding potential exposure concerns. State agencies have assisted with the relocation of patients and residents from facilities located within evacuation zones.
Transportation agencies including Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol, and local partners are managing evacuation routes and traffic operations. State Route 39 is closed from Ball Road to Trask Avenue, and State Route 22 offramps are closed at Valley View, Knott Avenue, and Beach Boulevard.
Officials are directing residents to follow local evacuation orders and monitor official emergency alerts. The Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa is providing temporary RV parking for evacuees.
For evacuation maps and official updates, visit www.gov.ca.gov.
Source: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
