Multiple injuries reported in Martinez refinery fire
MARTINEZ, Calif. - At least six people were injured after a fire broke out at the Martinez Refining Company Saturday afternoon.
A shelter-in-place was issued for portions of Martinez by the Contra Costa Health Services. It has since been lifted.
Two people were treated at the scene and released. Four were transported to area hospitals. All have been released.
The injured were all workers of the refinery.
As of 11 a.m. Sunday, the fire was mostly out, according to county health officials.
The fire broke out around 1:45 p.m. Saturday. Officials said people should close all windows and doors, turn off all heaters, air conditioners and fans.
Crews responded to the scene, and inspectors are also at the site. An incident report will be available once the incident response is completed.
In January, plans for a months-long maintenance work project at the refinery was announced, but it remains unclear if that work took place prior to the fire. Contra Costa Health promised a thorough investigation.
"When a major chemical accident or release occurs, the facility is required to do what is caused as a root cause investigation," said Nicole Heath, Director of Hazardous Materials at Contra Costa Health. "We will be working very closely with the refinery as they determine the root cause of this."
Con Fire said traffic is being shut down in the area.
The California Highway Patrol shared that Marina Vista on and off-ramps to Interstate 680 were closed in both directions. Pacheco Boulevard between I-680 and Howe Road was also closed.
A health advisory has been issued for Contra Costa and Solano Counties.
The facility was evacuated, but there are no other mandatory evacuations.
Videos and photos show thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the refinery.