'It fails or it blows up.' 40,000 in #California ordered to evacuate over #chemical threat
Story by Paris Barraza, May 22, 2026
"An estimated 40,000 residents in #OrangeCounty, California, are under evacuation orders as of May 22 as authorities prepare for two alarming options involving the potential failure of a tank holding an explosive #IndustrialChemical.
"Orange County Fire Authority officials outlined the danger from a 'tank actively in crisis' after responding to an industrial chemical leak the previous day. Efforts to stop the leak were not successful leading to a widening evacuation effort on May 22.
"The tank contains methyl #methacrylate, which is used to manufacture resins and plastics, according to a fact sheet from the Environmental Protection Agency. Local health officials describe the chemical as 'very toxic.' "
