Firefighters in California have contained a massive overnight blaze at a jet fuel production unit at Chevron's El Segundo refinery near Los Angeles. Residents in El Segundo, approximately 20 miles southwest of Los Angeles, reported hearing a significant blast around 21:30 local time, with orange flames and smoke visible around the facility.
Chevron stated the incident involved an 'isolated fire,' confirming that all personnel and contractors have been accounted for, and there were no injuries. Public safety officials reported no evacuation orders for local residents and that air quality monitoring did not indicate any excessive pollution levels following the explosion.
The extent of the damage at the refinery remains unclear. Located near Los Angeles International Airport, the Chevron facility is the second largest in the U.S., processing 285,000 barrels of crude oil daily. It provides 20% of all motor vehicle fuels and 40% of jet fuel consumed in Southern California.
El Segundo City Mayor Chris Pimentel expressed concern but noted that firefighters responded swiftly, given the proximity of the station to the refinery. Witnesses reported feeling a significant explosion, with one resident likening the size of the flames to '300 feet.'
Local authorities are working to determine the cause of the blast while monitoring air quality levels in the area. Flights from Los Angeles International Airport are operating normally, with officials assuring residents of their safety.
Chevron stated the incident involved an 'isolated fire,' confirming that all personnel and contractors have been accounted for, and there were no injuries. Public safety officials reported no evacuation orders for local residents and that air quality monitoring did not indicate any excessive pollution levels following the explosion.
The extent of the damage at the refinery remains unclear. Located near Los Angeles International Airport, the Chevron facility is the second largest in the U.S., processing 285,000 barrels of crude oil daily. It provides 20% of all motor vehicle fuels and 40% of jet fuel consumed in Southern California.
El Segundo City Mayor Chris Pimentel expressed concern but noted that firefighters responded swiftly, given the proximity of the station to the refinery. Witnesses reported feeling a significant explosion, with one resident likening the size of the flames to '300 feet.'
Local authorities are working to determine the cause of the blast while monitoring air quality levels in the area. Flights from Los Angeles International Airport are operating normally, with officials assuring residents of their safety.
