California chemical tank heats up, forcing 40,000 to evacuate

A chemical tank in Garden Grove, California, is heating up, raising fears of a catastrophic explosion and forcing the evacuation of about 40,000 residents. The tank contains 26,000 liters of methyl methacrylate, a volatile and flammable liquid used in plastics manufacturing.

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Unfortunately, I do have to report that the temperature was 90 degrees.

Firefighters are actively working to cool the tank, which has seen its temperature rise by about one degree per hour. Incident Commander Craig Covey reported the temperature reached 90 degrees Fahrenheit, up from 77 degrees the previous morning. An emergency team managed to view the temperature gauge after neutralizing the "explosive potential" of a nearby 15,000-gallon tank.

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Letting this thing just fail and blow up is unacceptable.

Authorities have described an explosion or rupture as the only possible outcomes, but officials are determined to prevent such an event. "Letting this thing just fail and blow up is unacceptable," Covey stated, emphasizing the goal to protect the community and environment. Water jets have been seen spraying the tank, which has a 34,000-gallon capacity.

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Our goal is to find something and not allow that to happen, not to let it damage our community, not let it damage our environment.

While no injuries have been reported, the leak, initially reported on Thursday, has prompted the establishment of a large exclusion zone. Responders are working to contain any spilled material from reaching waterways that lead to the ocean. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that methyl methacrylate can irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, with reported respiratory and neurological effects in humans.

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If it does explode and there is a vapor, you are all safe as long as you are out of the zone that was determined to be an evacuation zone.