MARTINEZ — A day after plumes of smoke and towering flames took over a portion of the Martinez Refinery, officials said the fire is contained and community events are moving forward as planned, but investigations into the event are ongoing.
Fire crews responded to the refinery at 3495 Pacheco Blvd., just before 2 p.m. Saturday to put out the blaze that officials said was the result of an explosion caused by a leak of hydrocarbons in the refinery’s Light Oil Processing area.
Multiple complaints of “chemical/refinery odors” and “industrial burning” and “flaring” at the refinery had been filed with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District by 12:30 p.m. Saturday, according to an incident report published Sunday morning.
Visible plumes of smoke observed by Incident Response staff about 2:30 p.m. appeared to exceed Air District Regulation 6, Rule 1 standards, which limits emission rates and concentration, according to the report.
“The Air District’s investigation of this event is ongoing, and we will provide additional updates when we obtain further information,” read the report.
By 5 p.m., a Level 3 alert was issued by Contra Costa Health Services department, and portions of Martinez closest to the refinery were told to shelter in place. That order was lifted by 9:15 p.m., but a public health advisory remains in place for Martinez, parts of Pacheco, and Clyde.
Refinery personnel managed to close valves and largely shut down the sources of the fire by 9:57 p.m., and firefighters successfully contained the flames by 12:15 a.m., according to updates from Martinez Refining Company published to their Facebook page Sunday morning.
Six people were observed by medical personnel, but no one was seriously hurt, the company added.
“Our top priorities are the safety and security of responders, as well as maximizing protection of public health and safety,” read a statement published on the Martinez Refining Company Facebook page. We are deeply sorry for the disruption and concern we have caused the community. Once the emergency response is complete, we will thoroughly investigate the cause of the incident in accordance with the Contra Costa County Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO) to identify and implement appropriate corrective actions.”
Residual smoke may still be visible throughout the day, and periodic flares may occur throughout the week, Martinez Refining said. Contra Costa Health recommends that people with respiratory sensitivities consider remaining indoors.
Meanwhile, Downtown Martinez & Co. announced on its Facebook page that it planned to move forward with its farmers market and Luna New Year celebration, noting that the Contra Costa County Health Department had deemed conditions safe for most.
The organization acknowledged though that some may be hesitant to participate given the “tragic event.” Organizers said they plan to remain in close contact with officials and will make changes to events if safety recommendations change.
“We’ve been given the green light to continue business as usual downtown today,” Downtown Martinez & Co. wrote in their Facebook post. “That means it’s a great day to support our small businesses—the Farmers’ Market is open, the Lunar New Year celebration in the Plaza is happening, and our downtown businesses are ready to welcome you.”