EL SEGUNDO, California, A major fire broke out Thursday night at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery, lighting up the sky over Los Angeles and prompting an intense emergency response.
The fire erupted in the Isomax 7 jet fuel production unit, where fuel oil is converted into jet fuel. Flames and smoke were visible for miles across the South Bay area.
Chevron confirmed that all personnel and contractors are accounted for, and no injuries have been reported. The fire was contained to a portion of the facility by early Friday.
Nearby residents were urged to stay indoors as a precaution. A temporary shelter-in-place order was in effect for parts of Manhattan Beach until early Friday, but no evacuation orders were issued.
Officials say Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) operations have not been impacted. The refinery is a critical supplier: it provides about 40% of jet fuel and 20% of motor fuel used in Southern California.
California state and local agencies, along with Chevron’s own fire crews, are investigating the fire’s cause.
News Source: Reuters
