Yesterday, an explosion from a leak at the Martinez Refining Company led to a substantial fire that compelled Contra Costa County authorities to issue a shelter-in-place advisory for parts of Martinez, Pacheco, and Clyde. This shelter-in-place was lifted later that evening, but a public health advisory remains for individuals with respiratory sensitivities. The fire, described by Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Bob Atlas as "burning ferociously," resulted in minor injuries to three personnel, as reported by The Mercury News.
By 12:15 am today, the flames at the Martinez facility were brought under control by joint efforts of local firefighters and those from Chevron, according to a statement by the Martinez Refining Company on their social media. While all personnel on site were accounted for, six individuals required medical attention, and all were subsequently released. The company has set up a claims line for those concerned about the impact of the fire and advises residents that despite the reduced flames, they may still witness residual smoke due to flares. These flares serve as an essential part of the refinery's safety mechanism for managing excess gases, as per the Martinez Refining Company's statement.
In response to the incident, the Martinez Refining Company experienced difficulties with its emergency fire response, a challenge attributed by Battalion Chief Atlas to the typical complexities of industrial firefighting. Witnesses observed flames soaring as high as 200 feet and black smoke spreading with the wind. Meanwhile, road closures and Coast Guard deployment highlighted the severity of the situation. Fire crews identified the fuel leak as the progenitor of the blaze, yet the exact cause and type of fuel involved remain unknown. Atlas mentioned during a news conference, "Any smoke that burns, any combustible element, is going to be toxic at some point," he said. "We're trying to ascertain right now what exactly is in that stream of smoke," according to The Mercury News.
