The advisory is for Martinez, parts of Pacheco and Clyde. According to Contra Costa Health, those with respiratory sensitivities should stay indoors and keep windows closed as smoke from the fire clears.
The fire began around 1:40 p.m. on Saturday, sending massive flames and thick black smoke billowing from the facility. Firefighters have been working to contain the blaze, which, according to officials, was sparked by a hydrocarbon leak that occurred during maintenance activities.
Martinez refinery fire Bay Area Air DistrictIt was then listed as a level 3 alert at 4:48 p.m. and a shelter-in-place order was issued for residents in the area. The order remained in effect until 9:12 p.m. Saturday evening
Saturday's fire injured at least six people. Four people were taken to a hospital for treatment Saturday and three were released, said Ted Leach, a Contra Costa County Fire Protection District captain. Two others were treated at the scene and released, he said.
For nearby residents like Julie, who declined to provide her last name and lives next to the refinery, the fire was a terrifying sight.
Although she stayed inside her home, she expressed concern about the potential hazards of the smoke.
Others in the neighborhood also voiced fears, with some initially worried that the refinery could explode.
The fire is said to be the worst seen in the area in recent memory. While the refinery has a history of flaring and occasional releases, residents have noted that this event has caused more widespread alarm.
Fortunately, the rainy weather on Saturday helped dissipate some of the smoke, as winds pushed the thick black plumes toward the Delta, away from many of the populated neighborhoods. Despite this, Contra Costa County health officials have received multiple complaints about a strong chemical odor, with some residents describing the smell as "heavy" and "chemically."
The Martinez Refining Company has faced criticism in the past for its history of flaring and chemical releases, and it is currently facing three lawsuits from local residents over safety concerns and claims of declining property values.
"If the refinery had spent more on safety and preventative measures, we might have seen a different result," Kittle said.
"I have cabbage right here. And then my avocado plants were blooming. But now it's all chemically. Just for safety, I don't want to eat anything that's got poison on it," she said, noting that she plans to remove the plants and soil from her garden.
Investigators continue to work to determine the full extent of the damage and to uncover the specific cause of the fire. Meanwhile, residents remain on edge, uncertain about the potential long-term impact on their health and safety.
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