A powerful explosion triggered a massive fire at the Chevron El Segundo Refinery late Thursday night. The blast sent flames high into the sky and filled nearby neighborhoods with thick smoke.
Firefighters rushed to the scene and quickly began containment efforts. The blaze was largely limited to one section of the refinery. Officials confirmed there were no immediate reports of injuries or evacuations.
Residents in parts of Manhattan Beach were briefly told to shelter indoors as a safety precaution. The order was lifted within hours once the fire was under control. Authorities also confirmed that flights at Los Angeles International Airport were not affected.
The Chevron El Segundo Refinery is one of the largest oil refineries on the West Coast. It processes up to 290,000 barrels of crude oil daily and produces gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel. The facility also holds millions of barrels in large storage tanks.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing a loud explosion around 9:30 p.m. Many said they felt their homes shake from the impact. Videos shared online showed flames and heavy smoke lighting up the night sky.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Officials have not confirmed whether equipment failure or other factors triggered the explosion. Emergency flaring was reported, a process used to burn off excess gas and relieve pressure.
Local authorities closed nearby roads during the emergency response but reopened them later in the night. Air quality is being closely monitored to ensure public safety.
The Chevron El Segundo Refinery has faced smaller fires in the past, but this incident is among the most serious in recent years. Community members have expressed concern about refinery safety and emergency preparedness.
Investigators will continue to review the incident, and officials are expected to provide more details in the coming days.
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