Fire Outbreak: Martinez Oil Refinery Flaring

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District reports that crews responded to the Martinez Refinery Company after receiving a complaint of flaring.

When equipment malfunctions or shuts down, surplus gas is burned, a process known as flaring.

The refinery was on fire, and the fire department was summoned around 1:40 p.m. on Saturday.

A public health advisory has been issued by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office for parts of Pacheco, Martinez, and Clyde.

A shelter-in-place public health advice was issued for residents of the Martinez, Pacheco, and Clyde communities on Saturday afternoon due to a fire breakout that started at the Martinez oil refinery during flaring.

“Please go inside, close all windows and doors, and turn off all heaters, air conditioners, and fans. If not using the fireplace, close fireplace dampers and vents, and cover cracks around doors and windows with tape or damp towels,” the Contra Costa Health advisory sent via the county’s public alert system said.