Massive Fire Erupts at Refinery Following Leak, Prompting Shelter-in-Place Order

A leak at a refinery with a history of safety concerns triggered a large explosion and intense fire on Saturday, leading to a temporary shelter-in-place order for residents in Martinez, Pacheco, and Clyde as thick black smoke spread across the area.

Emergency responders confirmed that all employees at the facility were accounted for. During a news conference held around 5:20 p.m., with warning sirens still blaring in the background, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Bob Atlas reported that three individuals sustained minor injuries.

Atlas described the fire as "burning intensely" and was unable to estimate how long it would take to extinguish the flames, noting that an undetermined amount of fuel remained on-site. Authorities stated that the fire was ignited by a hydrocarbon leak, though details about the exact cause and type of fuel involved were still under investigation as of Saturday evening.

"Any smoke that results from burning materials can be hazardous," Atlas said during the press briefing. "We're currently working to determine what specific substances are in the smoke."

Fire crews responded to the Martinez Refining Company, located at 3495 Pacheco Blvd., shortly after receiving the initial call at approximately 1:47 p.m., Atlas said. Fire Prevention Captain Ted Leach noted that upon arrival, crews encountered challenges in pinpointing the exact location of the fire.

When asked about the difficulty in locating the flames, Atlas explained that such obstacles are common in industrial firefighting. "There is a significant amount of heavy steel and materials within the facility, which can make access to the fire more time-consuming," he said.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames shooting up to 200 feet into the air, with thick black smoke drifting eastward due to the wind. Employees were evacuated and seen gathering outside the facility along Pacheco Boulevard.

At around 5 p.m., Contra Costa Health Services issued a Level 3 alert, requiring residents in areas north and east of the refinery to shelter in place. Public warning sirens were activated, and the alert applied to locations from Mountain View Drive to Vine Hill Road, Avon Way, and toward the Benicia Bridge. The shelter-in-place order remained in effect until approximately 9:15 p.m., though a public health advisory continued for impacted areas.

Authorities also closed Shell Avenue to traffic and restricted access to the Marina Vista Avenue on- and off-ramps from Interstate 680 in both directions, though the highway itself remained open.

Fire crews from Chevron were on site assisting with containment efforts, while the U.S. Coast Guard monitored the situation from the Carquinez Strait, about three miles from the refinery.

Around 2 p.m., county officials issued a public health advisory, warning that individuals with respiratory conditions might be particularly affected by the smoke.

In an initial emergency alert, the refinery classified the incident as a Level 2 notification, indicating a hazardous materials release or potential release that could pose off-site risks, including possible health effects. Authorities advised children and elderly individuals to remain indoors.

"Most people will not experience significant health effects," the advisory stated. "However, some individuals in affected areas may experience irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, or throat. Those experiencing symptoms should move indoors and rinse any affected areas with water."

The refinery has faced multiple incidents over the past year, including unplanned flaring events, an accidental release of coke dust, and legal challenges related to air-quality compliance. As part of a recent settlement agreement with county officials, the facility committed to implementing continuous air monitoring systems.

“Our top priority at this moment is ensuring the safety of both local residents and the first responders handling the situation,” said refinery spokesperson Brandon Matson.

Authorities confirmed that the fire has been fully extinguished, and the shelter-in-place order has been lifted. However, officials continue to monitor air quality in the surrounding areas, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident. Residents are encouraged to remain cautious and report any lingering health concerns or environmental issues to local authorities. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

   (Source: OnSceneALERT)

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Incident Number

2-250202-4101

Alert Type

Critical Incident Notification

Incident Type

Industrial Incident

Incident Occurred

February 1, 2025

Alert Posted

February 2, 2025

Location

California, United States

END OF ALERT