A significant fire erupted at the El Segundo Chevron refinery in Los Angeles County after a powerful explosion rocked the facility on Thursday night. Emergency responders, including officers and firefighters, were dispatched to the scene following numerous reports of the explosion, according to the El Segundo Police Department.
Witnesses described the explosion as feeling akin to a small earthquake, indicating the severity of the incident. Crews from the Los Angeles County Fire Department quickly arrived to assist in managing the situation. The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services announced that it would collaborate with state and local officials to ensure an effective response to the emergency.
El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel confirmed that authorities have not received any reports of injuries related to the explosion or subsequent fire. "We were able to respond with Chevron's fire department immediately, as our station is located about a quarter-mile from the gates of Chevron," Pimentel stated. He emphasized the community's concern and noted that extensive investigative work is necessary to determine the cause of the incident.
In a statement, LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell reported that firefighting crews had successfully contained the blaze to a specific area of the refinery. While residents were not required to evacuate, Mitchell advised them to remain indoors, urging visitors to avoid the city until further notice. "It has been contained and there is no cause for alarm for El Segundo or the surrounding areas," she reassured the public.
Mitchell also warned that the fire could potentially impact air quality in El Segundo and neighboring cities. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) indicated they had not yet detected any elevated levels of toxins, although they acknowledged that conditions may change. "We're currently not seeing any elevated levels of particulate matter or air toxins," stated Nahal Mogharabi, assistant deputy of communications for AQMD. "That may change as the smoke settles this evening." Residents were advised to close their doors and windows if they observe or smell smoke in the area.
According to information on Chevron's website, the El Segundo refinery was established in 1911 and is a critical facility in the region. With a production capacity of 276,000 barrels of crude oil daily, it stands as the largest oil refinery on the West Coast. Located just a few miles south of LAX, the refinery's operations have not affected airport activities, with no flights canceled, diverted, or delayed in the immediate aftermath of the fire.
As the situation develops, local officials continue to monitor the incident closely, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community as they work to investigate the cause of the explosion and fire.
