Chemical tank overheating in California, fears of major accident grow

The risk of a major chemical accident is escalating in Garden Grove, California, as the temperature inside an leaking tank filled with 26,000 liters of flammable methyl methacrylate continues to rise. Firefighters are urgently working to cool the tank, located on the GKN Aerospace property southeast of Los Angeles.

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The temperature of the chemical tank has risen from 77 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit since Friday morning.

Craig Covey, the emergency response chief for Orange County Fire Authority, stated that the tank's temperature had increased from 77 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) since Friday morning. The substance, also known as MMA, is volatile and flammable, used in the production of plastics. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that MMA can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, as well as neurological and respiratory problems.

Initially, around 40,000 residents were asked to evacuate the vicinity due to the imminent danger. While many initially hesitated, most have since complied with the evacuation order, leaving only emergency personnel at risk. Covey emphasized that the situation is critical, with "literally only two options" remaining: either the tank ruptures, releasing its hazardous contents, or it explodes, potentially affecting nearby tanks containing other chemicals or fuels.

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Either the tank gives way and releases up to 26,000 liters of highly dangerous chemicals onto the adjacent parking lot. Or the container explodes, presumably affecting surrounding tanks that also contain chemicals or fuels.

Fire officials are determined to prevent any harm to the community or the environment. The leak was discovered on Thursday, but the cause of the damage remains unknown. The situation remains tense as efforts to contain the overheating tank continue.

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Letting this thing just break and blow up is not acceptable. Our goal is to not let our community or our environment be harmed.