Fire Erupts at Chevron’s El Segundo Refinery in Los Angeles County

A fire broke out on Thursday at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery, one of the largest oil refineries on the U.S. West Coast, according to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office. Located in Los Angeles County, the refinery has a rated capacity of 290,000 barrels per day and plays a critical role in producing gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel for the region.

Local officials confirmed that the blaze was confined to a single area of the refinery. CBS News reported that police and firefighters rushed to the scene after initial reports of an explosion. While the cause of the fire remains unclear, emergency crews responded swiftly to prevent further escalation. At this time, authorities have not reported any injuries or evacuations.

Governor Newsom’s press office stated on X (formerly Twitter) that state and local agencies are coordinating closely to ensure public safety. Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell confirmed that firefighting crews contained the flames, limiting the risk of broader damage.

Chevron, in a regulatory filing, disclosed emergency flaring at the refinery as a safety measure to manage excess gases during the incident. The facility also has a vast storage capacity of 12.5 million barrels across approximately 150 major tanks, highlighting its importance to California’s energy supply chain.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass noted that the Los Angeles Fire Department remains on standby to provide additional support if needed. She also reassured residents and travelers that “there is no known impact to LAX at this time,” easing concerns about potential disruptions at one of the nation’s busiest airports.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire, while Chevron works with regulators and emergency teams to assess the damage and ensure the refinery returns to safe operation. The El Segundo facility is a key supplier of fuel to Southern California, making the swift containment of the blaze crucial for the region’s energy stability.