Pump Failure Sparks Chevron Refinery Blaze In El Segundo
EL SEGUNDO (CBSLA) — Officials say a pump failure is to blame for a massive fire that broke out Tuesday night at the largest refinery on the West Coast.
The fire broke out at 10:30 p.m. at the Chevron El Segundo Refinery, located at 324 W. El Segundo Blvd., just south of Los Angeles International Airport.
El Segundo, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach fire departments crews responded and officials asked nearby residents to shut the doors and windows of their homes because smoke was blowing into residential areas.
The fire was quickly knocked down by 11:18 p.m., according to Chevron. No injuries were reported.
A small portion of the refinery was damaged, but it was not expected to affect operations, a Chevron spokesperson said. The pump that failed was carrying oil from one part of the plant to the other, Chevron said.
Downed power lines shut down Vista Del Mar between 45th and Grand Avenue. However, the road had reopened Wednesday morning.
The Chevron El Segundo Refinery supplies 20 percent of gas to Southern California and 40 percent of jet fuel to nearby LAX Airport. An AAA spokesperson said it was possible the fire could affect gas prices depending on how much damage was done.
The fire remains under investigation.