A massive fire erupted at Chevron refinery near Los Angeles. No injuries reported so far, but residents are urged to stay away. Governor Newsom briefed.
Terrifying Fire at Chevron’s El Segundo Refinery
A massive fire broke out late Thursday night at Chevron’s El Segundo oil refinery near Los Angeles, lighting up the night sky and sending shockwaves across the community. The Torrance Police Department confirmed the incident, while California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles officials assured residents that safety measures are underway.
The fire, which erupted around 9:30 p.m. local time, could be seen from miles away. Eyewitnesses described the terrifying scene as a “sudden blast followed by a steady roar” that shook nearby neighborhoods, including Manhattan Beach.
Governor and Local Authorities Respond
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office issued a statement saying he has been briefed on the situation. “Our office is coordinating in real time with local and state agencies to protect the surrounding community and ensure public safety,” the statement read.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also reassured residents that Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located immediately north of the refinery, remains fully operational. “There is no known impact to the airport. LAFD stands ready to assist if needed,” she posted on X.
Eyewitness Accounts: “I Thought We Got Nuked”
Social media quickly filled with dramatic videos of the blaze. Bright orange flames towered into the night sky while thick plumes of black smoke billowed overhead.
Julian Reese, 13, told the Los Angeles Times that he and his father felt the explosion before running outside to witness the inferno. Meanwhile, local resident Mark Rogers recalled playing soccer just a few miles away when the blast hit. “I thought we got nuked or something,” he said.
No Injuries or Evacuations Reported
Authorities have not reported any injuries or evacuations so far, though residents are being urged to stay clear of the area. Traffic is being diverted, and multiple fire units remain at the site to contain the flames.
Live footage shows LA County Fire Department crews working alongside Chevron’s own fire department, which is specially trained to respond to such emergencies.
Why the Refinery Matters
Chevron’s El Segundo refinery, in operation since 1911, is the largest on the U.S. West Coast. The facility processes around 276,000–290,000 barrels of crude oil daily, producing gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel for millions of Californians. Covering nearly 1.5 square miles, it is equipped with 1,100 miles of pipelines and its own dedicated firefighting unit.
Its proximity to LAX makes it one of the most strategically important refineries in the nation.
What We Know So Far
- Incident: Major fire at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery
- Time: Around 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct 2 (local time)
- Location: South of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Authorities: Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass briefed
- Impact: No reported injuries, no evacuations, airport operations unaffected
- Cause: Still under investigation
Summary
The Chevron refinery fire in El Segundo has shaken Los Angeles residents with its sudden explosion and massive flames. While no injuries or evacuations have been reported, emergency crews remain on site as investigations continue into the cause of the blaze. For now, LAX remains safe, but officials are urging residents to avoid the area until the fire is fully contained.