Potential Crack in Chemical Tank May Lower Explosion Risk, California Official Says

A fire official said the possible crack was ‘positive intel’ and that officials are vetting and validating the discovery.

Water is sprayed on a damaged tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, Calif., on May 24, 2026, after the tank containing a chemical used to make plastic parts overheated Thursday. Ethan Swope/AP Photo

Firefighters have found a potential crack inside a damaged chemical tank in Southern California that may help relieve pressure and possibly reduce the risk of a violent explosion, a fire official said on May 24.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier declared a state of emergency in Orange County after the damaged tank was determined to be at risk of exploding or spilling thousands of gallons of toxic material. Authorities have ordered 50,000 residents in the area to evacuate.