US refinery fire provokes shelter-in-place alarm
(MENAFN) A large fire broke out at the Martinez Refining Company in Martinez, California, on Saturday, leading to a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents due to concerns over air quality. The order was later lifted.
The fire was sparked by a hydrocarbon leak that caused an explosion, with the flames burning intensely. According to Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Bob Atlas, there was still an unknown amount of fuel left on-site, and the smoke was expected to become toxic.
A video posted online showed large plumes of black smoke from the facility. The fire resulted in six injuries, with four people hospitalized and two treated on-site.
Martinez Refining Company reported the fire at 1:47 p.m. local time and warned that the incident could affect individuals with respiratory issues in nearby neighborhoods. The company's HAZMAT team is assessing potential health risks to the community.
Local health authorities confirmed that air quality in the surrounding areas had improved, but a Public Health Advisory was still in place for Martinez, Pacheco, and Clyde as of 2:45 p.m. Additionally, the fire released at least 500 pounds (227 kg) of sulfur dioxide into the air. The refinery, operated by PBF Energy, will be required to submit a report on the fire's cause under local industrial safety regulations.
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