Major Fire Erupts at Chevron's El Segundo Refinery, Southern California's Fuel Supplies at Risk
A significant fire has erupted at Chevron's El Segundo refinery in Los Angeles County, California. The blaze, which broke out in the refinery's Isomax 7 unit, has not yet impacted the city's fire department or LAX, according to Mayor Karen Bass. Residents of Manhattan Beach were advised to shelter in place until 2 a.m. due to the incident.
The refinery, which supplies a fifth of all motor vehicle fuels and 40% of the jet fuel in southern California, has seen its production affected. The impact on its ability to produce jet fuel specifically remains unclear. Chevron spokesperson Allison Cook confirmed no injuries and all workers were accounted for. No immediate evacuations were reported by El Segundo police.
The cause of the incident is still unknown, with reports suggesting an explosion at the site. Governor Gavin Newsom's press office announced the fire via X. The fire department stands ready to assist if needed, with no known impact to LAX at this time.
The fire at Chevron's El Segundo refinery has raised concerns about fuel supplies in southern California. While the impact on jet fuel production remains uncertain, the refinery's significant role in the region's fuel supply chain cannot be understated. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, ensuring the safety of residents and workers alike.
