A damaged chemical tank in Southern California might have developed a crack, potentially reducing the risk of a catastrophic explosion. However, an evacuation order remains in place for approximately 50,000 residents in the area, with no specified timeline for their return, according to a statement from a fire official on Sunday.
Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Wayhowe Huang mentioned that the tank is being continuously assessed on Sunday following the discovery of a potential crack by emergency crews overnight. As of Sunday morning, there have been no signs of any highly volatile chemicals leaking from the tank.
Huang emphasized that the potential for an explosion still exists, and precautions are being taken to address this risk. Firefighters are actively spraying water on the exterior of the tank to cool the chemicals inside and prevent any potential explosion.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency head Lee Zeldin stated that the current most likely outcome is a “low-volume release,” allowing officials to monitor, neutralize, and contain any threat that may arise.
Craig Covey, division chief at Orange County Fire Authority, suggested that the discovery of a potential crack in the tank could potentially relieve pressure inside. However, he noted that further confirmation is required before any change in strategy can be determined.
Efforts are ongoing to maintain the tank’s temperature below 85°F (29.4°C) to prevent any escalation of the situation. The tank, located in Garden Grove, began venting vapors on Thursday due to overheating, prompting the evacuation of nearby residents as a precautionary measure.
No injuries have been reported, and air quality tests within the evacuation zone have shown normal pollution levels. Despite broken or malfunctioning valves on the tank hindering chemical removal, specialized equipment is being used to prevent any gas release.
The situation is being closely monitored as firefighters work to stabilize the tank and prevent any potential hazards. Meanwhile, residents in the affected area have taken legal action by filing a class-action lawsuit against the company responsible for the facility housing the damaged tank, expressing concerns about the impact on property values and community well-being.
