Massive Fire Erupts at Martinez Refinery; Shelter-in-Place Order Lifted After Multiple Injuries

Martinez Refinery fire
Screenshot from "Shelter-in-place order lifted for Martinez refinery fire; multiple injuries reported" via ABC7 News Bay Area/YouTube

A major fire at the Martinez Refining Company (MRC) on Saturday afternoon has left at least six people injured and forced authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents. The order was lifted late Saturday night as emergency crews worked to contain the blaze, which had triggered massive smoke plumes over the surrounding area.

The fire, which began around 1:40 p.m., was reportedly sparked by a hydrocarbon leak that ignited into a powerful explosion. Battalion Chief Bob Atlas of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District confirmed that the fire was “burning ferociously” and that the exact cause of the leak remains under investigation. At the time of reporting, the fire had not been fully extinguished, with crews still working to shut down the affected systems at the refinery.

“We’re trying to ascertain exactly what is in that stream of smoke,” Atlas said at a press conference on Saturday afternoon. “Any smoke that burns any combustible element is going to be toxic at some point,” as reported by ABC7 News.

The fire caused flames to shoot up to 200 feet into the air, and black smoke spread quickly across the nearby communities of Martinez, Pacheco, and Clyde. This prompted the Contra Costa Health Services department to issue a Level 3 shelter-in-place alert, warning residents in the affected areas to stay indoors, close windows, and turn off all air systems, as noted by CBS News.

“Smoke from the fire contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants. Exposure to smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods of time. It is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure,” the district said in a statement reported by CBS News.

Marcial Barrera Jr., a resident less than a mile from the refinery, expressed concern over the lack of early warning and the potential danger of chemical releases. “That’s a very concerning situation because all the gases go through the pipes, and if something like this happens, it’s dangerous,” he told ABC7 News.

By 9:15 p.m., authorities lifted the shelter-in-place order after the fire had been significantly reduced. However, a public health advisory remained in effect for people with respiratory sensitivities in the surrounding areas.

Six refinery workers suffered injuries in the blaze, though most were minor. Four of the injured were taken to local hospitals, and one remained under medical supervision. Two others were treated at the refinery site and released.

A unified command structure involving MRC, the fire district, and local government officials was established to manage the response. The fire response was supported by multiple fire departments, and roads near the refinery, including Marina Vista Avenue and Shell Avenue, were closed to facilitate the emergency response.

“The biggest priority right now is the protection of citizens and first responders,” said Brandon Matson, the public information officer for MRC, as reported by Mercury News.

The Martinez Refining Company, a key supplier of gas, diesel, and jet fuel, has faced previous scrutiny for safety violations. In October, the company settled with county officials after facing allegations related to Clean Water Act violations. The refinery has also been fined in the past for unplanned flaring incidents and accidental releases of materials like coke dust.

Local officials, including fire and health authorities, will continue to monitor the air quality in the area overnight. The cause of the leak that led to the explosion is still under investigation, and MRC has not yet determined whether ongoing construction at the refinery contributed to the incident.

While the immediate danger has passed, authorities are urging residents to stay informed through official channels as the investigation continues.