A hydrocarbon leak caused the fire at a California refinery on February 1, 2025. The leak occurred while two workers were opening equipment for maintenance.
The leak happened around 1:30 PM
The workers immediately evacuated the area
The material caught fire and spread nearby
The fire was contained within the refinery by around 8:30 PM Response to the fire
The refinery notified the Contra Costa County Community Warning System at 1:48 PM The Contra Costa County Public Health Department issued an advisory for parts of Martinez and Pacheco
The advisory urged people with respiratory sensitivities to stay inside with doors and windows closed
The refinery said it is “deeply sorry for the disruption and concern we have caused the community”
Other information
The fire produced a plume of black smoke that could be seen for miles Six employees were injured and treated and released
The Bay Area Air District said there were complaints about oil and gas odors at the plant in the hours before the fire