• California chemical tank threat not over yet for 16,000 people still under evacuation orders
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    California chemical tank threat not over yet for 16,000 people still under evacuation orders

    May 27, 2026 - By 

    Exposure to methyl methacrylate, a highly flammable chemical used to make plastics, can cause serious respiratory and neurological problems. GARDEN GROVE, Calif. — About 16,000 people remain under evacuation orders in Southern California as an overheated chemical tank still poses a risk to homes closest to the site, and officials Tuesday gave no word on when they might be able to return home. The crisis forced 50,000 people to evacuate in and around the Orange County city of Garden Grove last week. A crack that formed by chance on the tank relieved pressure and helped avert a catastrophic explosion, allowing…

  • Threat of catastrophic explosion from damaged chemical tank in California is gone, officials say
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    Threat of catastrophic explosion from damaged chemical tank in California is gone, officials say

    May 25, 2026 - By 

    No injuries have been reported, but more than 50,000 residents were under an evacuation order over the Memorial Day weekend. GARDEN GROVE, Calif. — The risk of a catastrophic explosion of a damaged chemical tank in Southern California has been eliminated following a close overnight inspection that confirmed a crack in the tank relieved pressure and cooled the chemical, authorities said Monday. Officials said crews conducted tank temperature checks at night to reduce risks to firefighters, avoiding daytime operations when heat from the tank made conditions around it most dangerous. The overnight mission allowed crews to verify the crack and…