Large fire burning at Chevron refinery in El Segundo

A huge fire broke out at Chevron’s refinery in El Segundo on Thursday night, with massive orange flames seen shooting into the sky from miles away. Officials said there there was no immediate threat to public safety, and the blaze appeared to dissipate as fire crews doused it with water as the evening wore on.

The fire was reported just after 9 p.m., officials said. Witnesses told KCAL-TV that they heard what sounded like an explosion before flames tore through the refinery.    Video showed orange flames shooting toward the sky. The cause was’t immediately known.

City officials said the fire posed no public threat, according to broadcast reports. The El Segundo Police Department and the Manhattan Police Department reported no evacuations.

El Segundo’s Mayor Chris Pimentel told broadcast stations that all refinery employees were accounted for.

Clouds of black smoke could be seen emanating from the building on broadcast reports.

Inspectors with the South Coast Air Quality Management District were on scene assisting first responders.

“As of 10 pm, our nearby air monitors, are not seeing any elevated levels of particulate matter or air toxics. However that may change as the smoke settles later this evening. As always, we recommend that If you see or smell smoke to stay indoors with your doors and windows closed,” the agency said in a statement.

Explosive fires aren’t new to this oil refinery. In 2021 one incident prompted shelter-in-place orders. The fires often raise concerns from residents about the potential dangers and air pollution.

The South Bay refinery is the largest oil refinery on the west coast, processing more than 276,000 barrels of crude per day, according to Chevon’s website. It covers approximately 1,000 acres and has more than 1,100 miles of pipelines, according to the website.

This is a developing story.