A massive fire erupted Thursday night at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery in Los Angeles County, triggering a rapid response from on-site and local fire crews after reports of an explosion. The blaze has so far been contained within the refinery’s footprint, thanks to the facility’s dedicated fire department.
Built in 1911, the El Segundo refinery is the largest on the U.S. West Coast, processing over 276,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Its strategic scale means any prolonged shutdown could ripple across fuel markets, impacting supply and prices in California and beyond.
El Segundo Police say there are no known injuries or evacuations at this time. The cause and exact start time of the fire remain under investigation, as authorities and Chevron teams work to secure the site and assess potential environmental impacts.
For global observers and energy analysts, the incident underscores the delicate balance between maintaining critical infrastructure and mitigating risks—from industrial safety to local air quality and broader energy security. Updates are expected as investigations progress.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
