Southern California Chemical Tank

Jan De Jonge and fiancé Sher Stuckman set up a tent with their belonging and pet outside the Elks Lodge in Garden Grove, Calif., on Monday, May 25, 2026.

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Thousands still evacuated near Southern California chemical tank despite eased explosion fears

Thousands still evacuated near Southern California chemical tank despite eased explosion fears

Thousands of people who live near a damaged hazardous chemical tank in Southern California still can't return home, even as officials say the risk of a catastrophic explosion had largely passed. Officials ordered evacuations in Garden Grove near Los Angeles last Thursday after the tank at an aerospace plane overheated. About 16,000 of roughly 50,000 evacuees are still waiting for the all-clear. The tank contains methyl methacrylate, which is highly flammable. Health officials have assured residents that there was no contamination or fumes released. Officials say they will keep monitoring the air for several months and checking the sewer and storm drains.