El Segundo, CA — A dramatic fire broke out late Thursday night at the Chevron oil refinery in El Segundo, sending towering flames and thick plumes of smoke into the air, visible for miles across the South Bay. The blaze, which ignited around 9:30 p.m. local time, is believed to have started in a jet fuel processing unit.
Swift Response, No Reported Casualties
Chevron and local fire authorities confirmed that all refinery personnel and contractors were accounted for, and no injuries have been reported.
Fire crews, including those from El Segundo, the refinery’s own fire department, Los Angeles County, Redondo Beach, and Manhattan Beach, responded swiftly to the emergency.
By early Friday morning, the fire was largely contained, though work remained underway to fully extinguish all hot spots.
What We Know So Far
- The blaze was isolated to a process unit at the southeast corner of the refinery.
- Officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire.
- No evacuation orders were issued, but residents near Manhattan Beach were asked to shelter in place temporarily.
- Roads in the area, including along Pacific Coast Highway, were temporarily closed but have since been reopened.
- Air quality monitoring is ongoing, and as of now, no harmful emissions have been detected beyond refinery boundaries.
Strategic Importance & Potential Impact
Chevron’s El Segundo refinery is a critical component of Southern California’s supply network. It is responsible for producing a substantial share of the region’s motor vehicle fuel and jet fuel, including that used by Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
While officials stated that LAX operations are not yet affected, analysts warn that any disruption to fuel output could exacerbate California’s already fragile fuel supply dynamics, potentially driving up gasoline prices.
A petroleum analyst quoted in local media projected a possible increase of 35 to 95 cents per gallon in affected areas, depending on demand and the duration of the disruption.
What’s Next
Chevron, in collaboration with regulatory and safety agencies, has launched an internal investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, the city of El Segundo has urged residents to report any air quality concerns to local authorities.
Teams remain on alert as the situation evolves, ensuring that public safety and environmental safeguards remain top priorities.
