There’s a fire at the Martinez Refining Company, leading to a public health advisory and mandatory shelter-in-place for nearby residents, according to Contra Costa Health.
The fire, which triggered a level 2 hazmat notification, has since escalated to a level 3 alert. The refinery reported the incident at 1:47 p.m., and county officials are sending community updates every 30 minutes until the situation is resolved.
As of 5:15 p.m., crews have contained the fire to the refinery site, with mutual aid responding to help. Several individuals were taken for medical evaluation, although only one needed treatment before being released.
Road closures in the area include Marina Vista Avenue from Interstate 680 to Court Street, and Shell Avenue from Marina Vista to Pacheco Boulevard.
For safety, Contra Costa Health advises people to stay inside, close all windows and doors, and turn off any heating or cooling systems. If you have a fireplace, close the dampers and vents, and seal doors and windows with tape or damp towels to prevent smoke from entering.
The shelter-in-place alert affects neighborhoods close to the refinery, including areas along Pacheco Boulevard up to the Benicia Bridge. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has deployed inspectors and issued a warning about potential air quality issues in Contra Costa and Solano counties.
The smoke from the fire may contain harmful pollutants, posing health risks to residents. People with respiratory conditions may experience symptoms, while others might notice irritation in their eyes, skin, nose, or throat.
If you feel any irritation, it’s best to stay inside and rinse the affected area. However, most people are not expected to face any serious health concerns.
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