Fire at Martinez Refinery Extinguished, Investigation in Progress

A fire erupted at the Martinez Refining Company on Saturday following a hydrocarbon material leak, resulting in injuries to six individuals and prompting a health advisory, refinery officials confirmed.

According to the refinery, the incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. when two workers were performing scheduled maintenance on one of the facility’s process units. While carrying out their tasks, they noticed a leak, which quickly ignited into a fire. Emergency response teams were dispatched to contain the blaze while medical personnel attended to the injured. Meanwhile, officials issued a health advisory to alert the surrounding community of potential air quality hazards and other safety concerns. Investigations are now underway to determine the exact cause of the leak and assess the overall impact of the incident.

According to a statement from the Martinez Refining Company (MRC) on Facebook, the workers who first noticed the hydrocarbon material leak immediately evacuated the area for their safety. Shortly after, the leaked substance ignited, causing a fire that rapidly spread within the immediate vicinity of the refinery.

Contra Costa Health reported that refinery officials alerted county authorities about the fire at 1:49 p.m. The blaze broke out during a flaring event, which occurs when excess gas is burned off during equipment shutdowns or malfunctions—a standard safety procedure in refineries.

To coordinate an effective emergency response, MRC collaborated with Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ConFire) and the Martinez Police Department to establish a Unified Command. This joint effort allowed multiple agencies to work together efficiently in managing the situation.

By approximately 8:30 p.m., emergency crews had suppressed the fire to a manageable level, leading to a transition in command back to MRC. The refinery has since taken over the response efforts, with continued assistance from mutual aid partners to ensure ongoing safety and monitoring.

As a result of the fire and the smoke it generated, a public health advisory remains in effect for sensitive groups in the affected areas, including all of Martinez as well as parts of Pacheco and Clyde. Residents in these areas are urged to take precautions due to potential air quality concerns.

On Sunday, Contra Costa Health (CCH) advised residents with respiratory sensitivities to remain indoors with their doors and windows closed as smoke from the refinery fire continued to dissipate. Health officials emphasized that lingering smoke in the air could pose risks to individuals with conditions such as asthma or other breathing difficulties.

In a news release, CCH reported that as of 11 a.m. on Sunday, the fire had been mostly extinguished. However, due to the potential for residual smoke and air quality concerns, the agency decided to keep its health advisory in effect for sensitive individuals until the fire is fully put out. Officials continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as conditions improve.

On Saturday at 4:49 p.m., authorities issued a shelter-in-place alert for specific neighborhoods near the Martinez Refining Company due to the fire and resulting smoke. Residents in the affected areas were advised to stay indoors, close all doors and windows, and take precautions to limit exposure to potentially harmful air contaminants. Officials lifted the alert around 9 p.m. after conditions improved.

Meanwhile, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District confirmed to NBC Bay Area that it had received 28 complaints related to the incident, including two reports of an unusual odor before the fire even started. These complaints highlight ongoing concerns about air quality and environmental safety in the area.

In total, six individuals sustained injuries due to the fire. Four people were transported to a hospital for medical treatment, with three of them being released later that same day. Additionally, two others received treatment at the scene and were subsequently discharged, according to Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Captain Ted Leach. Refinery officials later confirmed that two of those hospitalized were MRC employees.

Saturday’s fire is the latest in a series of incidents and regulatory violations involving the Martinez Refinery. Among the most significant past events were two separate releases of petroleum coke dust, a byproduct of the refining process. The first major incident occurred in November 2022, when a fine layer of the sooty substance blanketed surrounding neighborhoods, raising health and environmental concerns. A similar incident in July 2023 led to civil action from Contra Costa County, as well as a lawsuit filed by local residents, further intensifying scrutiny of the refinery’s operations and safety protocols.