California reduces evacuations after chemical tank threat eases

Authorities in California significantly reduced evacuation orders Monday after officials said the immediate threat of a catastrophic chemical tank explosion had been eliminated.

(CNN)- Authorities in California significantly reduced evacuation orders Monday after officials said the immediate threat of a catastrophic chemical tank explosion had been eliminated.

“I can now tell you that we can reduce our evacuation zone area,” Garden Grove Police Chief Amir El-Farra said.

Until Monday evening, roughly 50,000 people had been asked to evacuate due to fears surrounding the unstable chemical tank.

“They came and said you got 20 minutes to get out of your house, and grab your stuff and go,” evacuee Rudy Lopez said.

While many residents have now been allowed to return home, thousands remain displaced.

“For those that remain impacted, I know this may be frustrating,” El-Farra said. “That number is approximately 16,000 of you.”

Officials say heat and pressure began building last week inside the tank, which contains 7,000 gallons of a chemical known as MMA, a compound that can cause serious health problems.

Emergency crews spent days cooling the tank with water in an effort to lower temperatures and prevent a disaster.

Crews also worked overnight Sunday into Memorial Day investigating a crack in the tank that authorities believed could help relieve pressure.

“That was our huge moment in this incident that we were able to capitalize on and take control of it,” Orange County Fire Authority Chief Craig Covey said.

Despite the progress, officials warned the situation is not completely resolved.

“It’s not over yet,” Orange County Fire Authority Interim Chief TJ McGovern said. “We still have work to do. We still have to mitigate a fire and very small explosion concern, and also a spill potential.”