Firefighters in California have warned of a catastrophic explosion after a tank of toxic chemicals began to leak, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate.
About 40,000 residents were ordered to leave their homes in the Garden Grove area of Orange County after the tank started leaking, sending fumes over a heavily populated area.
The tank contains 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a volatile and flammable liquid used to make plastics.
Firefighters are seeking ways to cool the tank, which has a capacity of 34,000 gallons, after the temperature rose to 90 degrees.
Orange County Fire Authority Incident Commander Craig Covey said letting the tank explode was 'unacceptable' and that responders are working to prevent any spilled material from reaching storm drains or river channels.
