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The fire that broke out Saturday afternoon at the Martinez Refining Co. in Contra Costa County is now under control, according to company officials. However, they have warned that residual smoke and flaring may still be visible in the aftermath of the incident.
The fire resulted in six injuries and sent thick black smoke into the surrounding community, prompting local authorities to issue a nearly five-hour shelter-in-place order. Several roads in the area were also temporarily closed as emergency responders worked to contain the situation.
Officials reported that the fire started at approximately 1:47 p.m., producing dense smoke and releasing hundreds of pounds of sulfur dioxide into the air. The fire remained contained within the refinery, with company fire personnel and Contra Costa County Fire Protection District crews actively engaged in battling the flames.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for parts of Martinez about three hours after the fire ignited and was lifted just before 9:30 p.m.
Three individuals sustained minor injuries and were transported to a hospital, while three others received treatment on-site and were released. Contra Costa Fire Battalion Chief Bob Atlas confirmed these details during a Saturday news conference.
The state's Office of Emergency Services initially reported that one refinery worker became disoriented and was hospitalized, but a refinery update at 12:15 a.m. Sunday stated that all injured personnel had been released.
County authorities initially classified the fire as a Level 2 health concern, indicating a potential threat to individuals with respiratory sensitivities. Two hours later, the warning was escalated to a Level 3 shelter-in-place alert for areas north of the refinery.
Residents were advised to remain indoors, seal windows and doors, shut off ventilation systems, and refrain from making nonemergency phone calls. The alert was downgraded back to Level 2 later that evening, though health officials recommended that individuals with respiratory conditions continue to stay inside.
Around 10 p.m. Saturday, refinery officials reported that emergency crews had successfully shut down most of the fire’s fuel source by closing valves. By 12:15 a.m. Sunday, they confirmed that firefighters had gained control of the situation and remained on-site to monitor potential flare-ups. The company cautioned that residual smoke and occasional flaring might persist for some time.
The Bay Area Air District issued an air quality advisory at approximately 4 p.m. Saturday, warning residents in Contra Costa and Solano counties about potential exposure to particulate pollution. Smoke from the fire could produce an odor and cause short-term health effects, particularly for those in downwind areas.
Health officials warned that exposure to the smoke could lead to symptoms such as burning eyes, nasal irritation, sore throat, dizziness, headaches, and, in severe cases, shortness of breath or cardiac distress. Refinery operators disclosed in an initial report to the state’s Office of Emergency Services that at least 500 pounds of sulfur dioxide had been released into the atmosphere.
Around 4 p.m., air quality monitors in downtown Martinez recorded an index level of 75, categorized as “moderate” and potentially hazardous for sensitive individuals. By 6 p.m., readings indicated that air quality had returned to healthier levels. However, officials noted that existing air quality sensors primarily track particulate matter and may not fully reflect gas pollutant levels.
The Martinez Refining Co. has faced prior scrutiny from air quality regulators and federal investigators due to repeated incidents of flaring. In November 2022, the facility was responsible for releasing toxic dust into the community, leading to heightened concerns among local residents and environmental advocates.
Tony Semenza, a long-time Martinez resident and member of an oversight committee established after the 2022 toxic dust release, was among the first to witness the fire. After receiving reports of flaring at the facility, he drove toward the refinery and saw plumes of black smoke followed by flames. According to Semenza, the fire intensified rapidly, eventually erupting into a full-scale blaze.
As a retired fire chief who previously worked for Chevron Oil, Semenza assessed the fire and noted that it resembled an incident where flames persist until all residual vapors are burned off. His observations reinforced concerns that the fire could not be easily extinguished until fuel sources were fully depleted.
Multiple emergency units from Contra Costa Fire were dispatched after receiving numerous reports of smoke and explosions. According to radio transmissions, refinery officials informed the fire agency that the blaze involved a carbon fire. The first arriving firefighters on the scene described a large flare emitting flames and a significant fire within the refinery premises.
Teresa Heiderick, a longtime resident living less than a block from the refinery, described the blaze as “catastrophic” and the worst she had ever seen in decades of residing in the area. She decided to evacuate to Concord with her two cats, despite there being no official evacuation orders in place. The sight of the refinery ablaze and the massive fireball near her home, combined with strong winds and extreme heat, left her feeling extremely unsettled.
Heiderick recounted witnessing two distinct sections of the refinery engulfed in flames. One fire appeared to be consuming a smokestack, producing a towering column of flames. The other involved a lower section of the facility, generating a thick, dark cloud of smoke. She described the air as abnormally hot, estimating it felt around 80 degrees, and detected a harsh chemical odor lingering in the atmosphere.
As firefighters continued their response into Sunday morning, local authorities urged residents to remain cautious and monitor air quality updates. While the immediate danger had subsided, environmental and health officials continued to assess the long-term effects of the incident on the surrounding community.
The fire reignited concerns about refinery safety protocols and the environmental impact of industrial activities in Contra Costa County. Advocacy groups called for increased oversight and stricter regulations to prevent future incidents. Some residents voiced frustration over recurring refinery-related hazards, citing previous violations and ongoing air quality issues associated with the facility.
Investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the fire, with preliminary reports suggesting that malfunctioning equipment or an operational failure may have contributed to the blaze. The refinery has not disclosed further details regarding potential mechanical failures or lapses in safety protocols leading up to the incident.
Local officials emphasized the importance of preparedness in dealing with industrial fires and air quality emergencies. Health experts urged those in affected areas to take necessary precautions, especially individuals with respiratory conditions, children, and elderly residents, who may be more vulnerable to air pollution exposure.
As cleanup operations progressed, environmental agencies pledged to conduct thorough testing of air and soil samples in the impacted neighborhoods. The results of these tests will determine the extent of contamination and guide future mitigation efforts to ensure community safety.
Despite the refinery’s assurances that the fire is under control, residents remain wary of lingering environmental hazards. Advocacy groups and local officials continue to push for transparency from the refinery, urging prompt disclosure of air monitoring data and potential risks associated with chemical exposure.
Authorities have committed to holding a public forum to address concerns and provide updates on refinery operations and environmental impacts. Residents hope that increased scrutiny and regulatory action will lead to improved safety measures and stricter enforcement of air quality standards in the region.
