EL SEGUNDO (CNS) – A massive fire erupted Thursday evening at the Chevron El Segundo oil refinery, with flames seen from several miles away.
The fire was reported just after 9 p.m., KCAL 9 reported . Witnesses told the station they heard what sounded like an explosion before flames tore through the refinery
Video from the scene showed orange flames shooting toward the sky.
The refinery is the “largest producing oil refinery on the West Coast, processing more than 276,000 barrels of crude per day,” according to its website.
The cause of the fire is unknown.
Gov. Gavin Newsom “has been briefed on the incident,” according to a statement from his office, which “is coordinating in real time with local and state agencies to protect the surrounding community and ensure public safety.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wrote on social media that she has been briefed on the fire and spoken with Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, whose Second District includes El Segundo.
The Los Angeles Fire Department “stands at the ready to assist with any mutual aid request,” Bass wrote, adding “there is no known impact to” Los Angeles International Airport, according to Bass.
Mitchell told KCAL 9 no evacuation orders have been issued and the fire had been confined to one area at the refinery.
“There is no cause for alarm for El Segundo and for the surrounding area,” Mitchell, told the station.
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