California Declares State of Emergency Over Leaking Toxic Tank

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Garden Grove, as the risk of a large toxic chemical tank explosion has increased. A leak was detected in the tank yesterday, and its temperature continues to rise despite efforts to cool it down.

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The situation is considered very serious and there are fears that an explosion in the tank could cause a major accident.

Firefighters have been battling the chemical leak since yesterday, with toxic fumes spreading over a densely populated area. Over 40,000 residents in the Garden Grove area of Orange County, southeast of Los Angeles, have been ordered to evacuate their homes. The tank holds 7,000 gallons (26,000 liters) of methyl methacrylate, a volatile and flammable liquid used in plastic production.

Authorities consider the situation extremely serious, fearing that an explosion could lead to a major disaster. Craig Covey, an operations chief for the Orange County Fire Authority, stated that emergency teams entered the area overnight to try to reduce the explosion risk from another nearby tank. Efforts to cool the leaking tank by spraying it with water have had limited success, with the temperature inside rising by an average of one degree Celsius per hour.

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The temperature has been rising by an average of one degree per hour.

Covey noted that residents have been instructed to evacuate, and that only first responders are currently at risk. Police officers are overseeing the evacuation process.

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Residents have been instructed to evacuate the area, and that the only ones currently at risk are the first responders.