California officials have lifted the final remaining evacuation orders in Orange County after securing a chemical tank leak, allowing Garden Grove residents to return to their homes after a week of nerves over the possibility of a spill or explosion.About 50,000 Orange County residents were initially evacuated last week when the pressurized tank at an aerospace facility began overheating and leaking a toxic chemical, pushing emergency responders to clear the area to stabilize the leak. After progress in the emergency response over the weekend, officials condensed the evacuation zone and allowed about 30,000 people to return home on Monday. On Tuesday evening, officials allowed all residents to return. The Orange County Fire Authority said Tuesday evening that there was no longer a chemical leak, no threats of explosion or fire, and no more risk to the public. The fire authority said the situation update was confirmed by fire and county health authorities, law enforcement, and Environmental Protection Agency officials.
“Thursday, this incident started with two options: a major explosion … or a catastrophic leak,” Orange County Fire Authority interim chief TJ McGovern said. “We all found that unacceptable, and we knew we had to come up with a plan. After an extensive operation, we’re happy to report that all evacuation orders have been lifted, and residents have started to return home.”
