A vicious fire at a refinery plant in California prompted a level 2 hazmat situation and shelter-in-place order Saturday afternoon.
“Numerous emergency crews are currently on the scene in Contra Costa County, California, after a massive fire broke out at the Martinez refinery plant. Emergency officials have declared a Level 2 hazmat emergency due to thick, black, toxic smoke billowing into the air and heavy flames continuing to rise,” Rawsalerts wrote.
“Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors, close their windows and doors, and avoid the area. The situation is still developing, and the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time,” the post added.
WATCH:
#BREAKING: Emergency crews declared a level 2 hazmats situation after a massive fire has broken out at the Martinez refinery plant
Numerous emergency crews are currently on the scene in Contra Costa County, California, after a massive fire broke… pic.twitter.com/ep01rzqtgb
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) February 2, 2025
Per CBS News:
There is a public health advisory in effect for Martinez and Pacheco due to a fire at the Martinez Refining Company, Contra Costa Health said on Saturday.
The Martinez Refining Company said it was a fire and flaring at the refinery that prompted the level 2 hazmat notification. The facility alerted the county about the fire at 1:47 p.m., Contra Costa Health said in a Facebook post.
ADVERTISEMENTThe Bay Area Air Quality Management District said it had inspectors on site and issued an air quality advisory in Contra Costa and Solano counties due to the fire.
“Smoke from the fire contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants. Exposure to smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods of time. It is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure,” the district said in a statement.
Public Health Advisory for parts of Pacheco and Martinez. Info at https://t.co/JSLHgEDGCz.
— Contra Costa CWS (@CoCoCWS) February 1, 2025
Contra Costa County Health has escalated the emergency at the Martinez Refining Company to a level 3 incident. Residents in portions of Martinez, north of the refinery should shelter in place due to impacts from smoke.https://t.co/IvKjPtZsBn pic.twitter.com/sMsbsfRuc8
— Mark DeSaulnier (@RepDeSaulnier) February 2, 2025
WATCH:
JUST IN: Large fire erupts at the Martinez refinery in Contra Costa County, California pic.twitter.com/cswhpvSfEZ
— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) February 1, 2025
NBC Bay Area reports:
An update on the health department’s Facebook page said the Martinez Refining Company, a subsidiary of PBF Energy Inc, which owns the facility, alerted the county to a fire at the facility that broke out at 1:47 p.m.
A hazardous materials team responded to assess any public health impacts, the post said.
A Facebook page for the refinery echoed the public health alert and said flaring and a fire had occurred but a press request for an immediate response went unanswered.
ADVERTISEMENTFlaring is the burning of excess gas that occurs during equipment shutdowns or malfunctions.
“Smoke from the fire contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants,” Bay Area Air Distirct said in a news release. “Exposure to smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods of time. If possible, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside. Set car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside. The use of indoor air filtration can also help reduce smoke exposure.”
This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!