Massive Blaze Breaks Out at Chevron Refinery in El Segundo, Los Angeles: What You Need to Know

A significant fire broke out at the Chevron refinery in El Segundo, south of Los Angeles, after an explosion on Thursday night. Many people reported hearing a loud bang that felt like an earthquake.

Local police and firefighters quickly responded. The city’s mayor, Chris Pimentel, noted that no injuries were reported. The refinery has its own fire department, which was able to act quickly due to its close proximity to the explosion site.

LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell stated that the fire was contained. While residents were not required to evacuate, she suggested that they stay indoors, and visitors should avoid the area for now. Mitchell assured the public that there was no immediate danger to El Segundo or nearby communities.

However, air quality could be affected. Nahal Mogharabi from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) reported that they had not detected elevated levels of toxins, but urged residents to prepare. “If you see or smell smoke, keep your doors and windows closed,” Mogharabi advised.

The El Segundo refinery is the largest on the West Coast, built in 1911, with a daily capacity of 276,000 barrels of crude oil. Despite the fire, operations at nearby Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) remain unaffected.

Fires and explosions at refineries aren’t new. In fact, a study by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board outlined that there have been over 200 incidents at refineries since 2003. These events raise concerns about safety protocols and environmental impact.

As we await more updates, it’s a reminder of the ongoing discussions about safety standards in industrial operations. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

For more information on air quality and safety, you can visit the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

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