California: A fire has erupted at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery in California, authorities confirmed, though the flames were reportedly confined to a single area of the plant.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Firefighters were dispatched to the Los Angeles County facility following reports of an explosion. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office said it is coordinating with local and state agencies to ensure public safety.
Police confirmed there were no immediate reports of injuries or evacuations. Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell stated that crews had contained the fire to one section of the refinery.
In a regulatory filing, Chevron also reported emergency flaring at the site. The El Segundo refinery has a rated capacity of 290,000 barrels per day, producing gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel, with a total storage capacity of 12.5 million barrels across approximately 150 major tanks.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the city’s fire department was ready to deliver assistance if needed and confirmed there was no known impact on Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Resident Mark Rogers, who was playing soccer at Aviation Park a few miles from the plant, described the incident as intense. Mark Rogers remarked that, “I thought we got nuked or something.” Heavy smoke led to the cancellation of the game, the report said.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as investigations into the cause of the fire remain ongoing.
MOST READ | New Zealand falcon kārearea crowned Bird of the Year 2025
