Large fire erupts at Chevron refinery in Los Angeles

Key Takeaways:

• The fire began around 9:30 p.m. at the El Segundo refinery.
• Local officials report no injuries and verified all workers were safe.
• The blaze may have started in an isolation unit.
• A shelter-in-place notice was issued for Manhattan Beach.
• Air quality monitors have not shown dangerous levels thus far.

Incident Overview

A massive blaze tore through the Chevron refinery in El Segundo, Los Angeles, around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday. Witnesses reported seeing towering flames and a plume of dark smoke rising high above the facility on El Segundo Boulevard.

Official Statements

Local authorities were swift in their response. El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel announced, “We have zero reported injuries and all workers and contractors are accounted for.” According to LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, the fire is believed to have started in an isolation unit inside the refinery. Governor Newsom’s office also confirmed it had been briefed on the incident, stating that local and state agencies were coordinating to protect the surrounding community.

Community Reactions

Residents described hearing a loud bang before seeing the orange glow. One neighbor told NBC4, “I never ever fear anything. This fire, I got in panic mode when I saw it. It looked like about 7 to 10 football fields wide of a flame and smoke billowing in the air.” Although panicked by the sight, the public was reassured there was no immediate threat, and no evacuation orders were issued.

Emergency Response

Teams from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the El Segundo Fire Department arrived on the scene to contain the blaze. In an official alert, SouthBay authorities told residents, “There is a fire at the Chevron Refinery. There is NO PUBLIC threat at this time and NO evacuation orders in place.” While the city of Manhattan Beach ordered residents to shelter in place as a precaution, officials stressed that the situation was under control.

Air Quality and Public Advisories

The South Coast Air Quality Management District reported that nearby air quality monitors “are not showing elevated levels of particulate matter or air toxics,” though conditions could change. With that in mind, officials encouraged the public to remain indoors until the fire was completely contained. As of the latest reports, local emergency services continue to evaluate any potential risks from smoke or chemical releases.

The refinery blaze, though dramatic, resulted in no casualties and minimal direct impact to nearby communities. Authorities remain on standby, and investigations into the cause of the fire continue to unfold.