Martinez Refinery Fire Injures Six, Prompts Shelter-in-Place Alert
A fire at the Martinez Refining Co. in Contra Costa County on Saturday, February 1, 2025, injured six people and prompted a shelter-in-place alert for parts of Martinez. The blaze, which began around 1:47 p.m., was caused by a hydrocarbon leak during planned maintenance, according to company officials. Two workers encountered the leak while opening equipment, leading to an immediate evacuation before the material ignited, emitting large plumes of black smoke and hundreds of pounds of sulfur dioxide.
The fire was contained to the refinery, with firefighting efforts led by the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and refinery personnel. A Level 3 shelter-in-place alert, the most severe in the county’s warning system, was issued for areas north of the refinery but was lifted by 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Residents were advised to stay indoors, seal windows, and turn off ventilation systems due to potential health risks from the smoke.
Six individuals sustained injuries, with three hospitalized and later released, while three others were treated at the scene. The firefighting water runoff containing hydrocarbons was contained on-site and transported to the refinery’s water treatment center. Officials warned of possible residual smoke and flaring, which could continue intermittently throughout the week.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued an advisory for parts of Contra Costa and Solano counties, noting elevated levels of particulate pollution. Residents exposed to the smoke reported symptoms such as burning eyes, sore throats, and dizziness. Air quality sensors in downtown Martinez recorded a moderate air quality index of 75 during the fire, but levels returned to healthy ranges by 6 p.m.
The refinery, operated by PBF Energy, will be required to produce a report analyzing the root cause of the fire under Martinez’s Industrial Safety Ordinance. The incident has drawn scrutiny due to the refinery’s history of flaring and a previous 2022 incident involving the release of toxic dust into the community. County health officials continue to monitor air quality and investigate the cause of the fire.
East Bay refinery fire caused by hydrocarbon leak, officials say
The Martinez fire was under control by early Sunday, officials said, though they warned of possible “residual smoke and flaring.”
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At around 9:15 p.m., the Contra Costa Health Services department removed a shelter-in-place for Martinez and other cities north of the refinery.
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