Spectacular Blaze Erupts at Chevron Refinery in El Segundo: Smoke Plumes Blanket South Bay

On Thursday night, a significant explosion occurred at the Chevron refinery in El Segundo, California. The blast sent flames shooting into the sky, visible for miles around. Fortunately, the city reported no immediate threat to the public, and officials did not issue any evacuation orders. However, portions of north Manhattan Beach were under shelter-in-place orders until 2 a.m.

As the explosion took place around 9:30 p.m., many nearby residents captured videos of the massive fireball. It was a dramatic scene, but within an hour, the flames reduced in intensity, although they continued to burn in one section of the refinery.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell shared that the fire was mostly contained shortly before 10:30 p.m., with no reported injuries. She reassured the community that they were monitoring air quality, urging residents nearby to stay indoors if possible.

El Segundo’s Mayor Chris Pimentel confirmed that the fire did not spread beyond the refinery’s premises, and all personnel were accounted for. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Witnesses described the chaos. Thirteen-year-old Julian Reese felt the shockwave and rushed outside to see flames engulfing the night sky. Mark Rogers, 34, was playing soccer nearby when the explosion happened. He recalled thinking, “I thought we got nuked or something.” Their game was canceled due to heavy smoke.

Keith Mohr, a local resident, commented on the unprecedented nature of the fire. “I’ve lived here for over two decades, and I’ve never seen anything like it,” he stated, referring to the towering flames.

Firefighters arrived promptly, using water streams to combat the flames. Traffic in the area was redirected, and several road closures were enacted to maintain safety. Notably, both Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom were briefed on the situation. They coordinated with local agencies to ensure public safety.

Refinery incidents are not uncommon in this part of California, where several oil facilities operate. In 2022, firefighters took two hours to extinguish a fire at this same Chevron facility. Similarly, a fire at a nearby refinery in 2020 raised alarms when flames extended 100 feet into the air, but it too was brought under control without major damage.

The frequency of such incidents raises questions about safety protocols and community preparedness. With oil production deeply woven into the region’s fabric, residents must stay informed and vigilant to safeguard their neighborhoods.

As officials continue to assess the situation, community members remain alert, aware that they live in close proximity to powerful industrial operations. For up-to-date information, keep an eye on local news sources like [CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/large-fire-erupts-at-los-angeles-county-refinery/).

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