A massive fire broke out at Chevron’s oil refinery in El Segundo, California, late Thursday night, lighting up the skies over Los Angeles County and sparking concern among residents.
The explosion, followed by a roaring fireball, was visible for miles around the coastal suburb, located just south of Los Angeles International Airport. Authorities urged residents to remain indoors while firefighters battled the flames.
What happened at the Chevron refinery?
Videos posted on social media captured towering flames and a prolonged rumble reverberating across neighborhoods.
“I thought we got nuked or something,” Los Angeles resident Mike Rogers told The New York Post. Rogers, who had been playing in an adult soccer league nearby, said the match was canceled moments after the fire erupted due to heavy smoke blanketing the field.
Local officials confirmed the blaze was quickly contained to one section of the refinery. By the time of filing this report, no casualties had been reported and no evacuation orders had been issued.
What authorities are saying
In a statement released about half an hour after the fire began, El Segundo authorities said there was “no immediate threat to public safety.”
LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell confirmed that firefighting teams had successfully prevented the flames from spreading.
“It has been contained, and there is no cause for alarm for El Segundo or the surrounding areas,” Mitchell said.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office also confirmed he had been briefed on the incident.
“Our office is coordinating in real time with local and state agencies to protect the surrounding community and ensure public safety,” his press office posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Neither Chevron nor local officials have provided details on what triggered the explosion.
Why the Chevron El Segundo refinery matters
Chevron’s El Segundo refinery is the largest oil refinery on the U.S. West Coast, according to the company’s website.
- Capacity: Processes more than 276,000 barrels of crude oil per day
- Products: Gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel that power much of Southern California’s transportation network
- Size: Covers about 1.5 square miles (3.9 square kilometers)
- Pipelines: More than 1,100 miles (1,770 kilometers) of underground connections
The facility, in operation since 1911, is California’s second-largest oil refinery. Any disruption at the site has the potential to affect fuel supply in a region already known for some of the highest gas prices in the country.
What’s next?
Authorities have yet to disclose the cause of the fire. Chevron said it is working with local agencies to assess damage and monitor air quality. While officials emphasized there is no immediate danger, residents have been advised to remain alert in case conditions change.
Given the refinery’s scale and critical role in supplying fuel to the West Coast, state regulators are expected to closely examine the incident for potential safety and environmental implications.