California officials declare end to explosion threat from chemical tank that prompted evacuations

In California, emergency responders announced that the threat of an explosion from a damaged chemical tank in Orange County has been eliminated following an overnight operation. This was reported by the BBC, according to UNN.

Details

According to Orange County Fire Authority Chief TJ McGovern, the threat of a so-called BLEVE — a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion — has been neutralized.

"We are happy to report that the threat of a BLEVE is now off the table. That threat has been eliminated,"

The tank contained thousands of gallons of a flammable substance

The tank in Garden Grove contains thousands of gallons of methyl methacrylate — a highly volatile and flammable substance used in plastic manufacturing.

In California, efforts are underway to prevent the explosion of a tank containing a toxic substance; tens of thousands of people have been evacuated24.05.26, 08:00

In recent days, officials feared a massive leak or explosion due to a crack in the tank.

Fire Chief Craig Covey reported that the tank's temperature has decreased, which is "positive news." At the same time, the evacuation order for the area remains in effect, as the risk of a chemical leak has not been completely ruled out.

Threat of chemical tank explosion persists in California – over 50,000 people evacuated25.05.26, 01:15