Jill Replogle

But Craig Covey, division chief with the Orange County Fire Authority, says his team is working around the clock to prevent that.

The tank, which is owned by the company GKN Aerospace, is filled with a chemical known as MMA.

It can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and can also affect the nervous system.

Some 40,000 residents were told to evacuate early Friday when public safety officials determined the tank was likely to fail.

Officials say that could send some 7,000 gallons of its toxic contents spewing into the air or spilling out into the surrounding area.

But Craig Covey, division chief with the Orange County Fire Authority, says his team is working around the clock to prevent that.

The tank, which is owned by the company GKN Aerospace, is filled with a chemical known as MMA.

It can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and can also affect the nervous system.

For NPR News, I'm Jill Replogle in Orange County.