Chemical tank ‘on the edge’ of exploding in California as crews try to avert potential disaster
A chemical tank in Garden Grove, California, is at risk of exploding, prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency as firefighters work to cool the tank containing a toxic substance. Officials are concerned about a potential worst-case scenario involving multiple explosions and chemical leaks into nearby storm drains.
- ▪The 7,000-gallon tank contains methyl methacrylate, a toxic chemical used in manufacturing.
- ▪Evacuation orders have affected approximately 40,000 residents in Garden Grove and neighboring cities.
- ▪Firefighters are using sprinklers and hose lines to cool the tank and prevent a thermal runaway.
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U.S. newsChemical tank ‘on the edge’ of exploding in California as crews try to avert potential disasterTens of thousands of residents have been evacuated and Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared an emergency as officials try to thwart an explosion at the facility in the city of Garden Grove.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Add NBC News to GoogleState of emergency declared over southern California chemical incident01:53Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 23, 2026, 10:04 PM EDTBy Steve Patterson and Dennis RomeroFirefighters on Saturday were trying to cool a chemical tank “literally on the edge” of exploding in Southern California as they worked to avert a disastrous “worst-case” scenario, the incident’s commander said.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get…
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