California Declares Emergency After Chemical Leak in Orange County

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared an emergency in Orange County after a chemical leak from a tank in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, as crews worked for more than 24 hours to contain the danger and reduce the risk of an explosion. The emergency declaration also allows California to request federal assistance from Washington, officials said. Authorities warned tens of thousands of people to leave their homes as the response continued. About 40,000 people followed the evacuation call, heading to hotels, staying in their vehicles, or moving into emergency shelters set up by officials. Officials said the priority remains bringing the situation under control and preventing any escalation linked to the chemical tank leak.