Evacuation zone reduced with threat of massive explosion eliminated at Orange County chemical tank

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (KABC) -- There is no longer a threat of a catastrophic explosion at a tank filled with a toxic chemical at the GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, officials said Monday.

The "crisis situation" forced 50,000 people out of their homes in Orange County for several days. In an update on Monday evening, the evacuation zone was reduced, now impacting 16,000 residents.

Crews worked overnight on a risky mission to confirm if the pressure in the tank was releasing after a crack was discovered. Firefighters removed weather insulation from the outside of the tank to help the water be more efficient at cooling the temperature down.

The Orange County Fire Authority said the threat of a BLEVE, which stands for Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion, at the site "is now off the table." Crews were able to confirm that the temperature of the tank is decreasing.

Officials said the crisis is not averted, however, there is still a chance of a significantly smaller explosion, fire or leak.

Residents are being asked to continue to avoid the reduced evacuation zone. Any areas outside of the evacuation zone "are currently considered completely safe, and day-to-day activities can continue as normal."

So far, no injuries have been reported.

It was unclear what initially caused the material in the tank to overheat.

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