US Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Bob Atlas confirmed that a hydrocarbon leak triggered an explosion and a massive fire at the Martinez Refining Company, forcing a shelter-in-place order as thick black smoke spread across multiple communities.

Why It Matters:

The refinery has a history of safety concerns, and the scale of this fire raises fresh alarms about industrial hazards and air quality risks in the region.

The Big Picture: Authorities are still determining the cause of the leak and the exact type of fuel burning. Meanwhile, concerns over toxic exposure remain as emergency crews work to contain the blaze.

Key Points:

  • The fire, described as "burning ferociously," started around 1:47 p.m. Saturday.
  • Three personnel sustained minor injuries, but all employees were accounted for.
  • Fire crews struggled to pinpoint the source of the flames due to heavy industrial materials.
  • Flames shot 200 feet into the air, with black smoke drifting eastward.

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