Martinez refinery fire leaves 6 workers injured, shelter-in-place lifted
MARTINEZ — A fire at the Martinez Refining Company prompted a public health advisory, Contra Costa Health said on Saturday.
A shelter-in-place alert was sent by the county to neighborhoods near the Martinez Refining Company, but it has since been lifted. The City of Martinez said the public health advisory remains in place for the city and parts of Pacheco and Clyde.
As of Sunday afternoon, the area remained under a health advisory, according to officials.
The Contra Costa Fire Protection District said six workers at the refinery were injured, and four needed to be hospitalized.
The Martinez Refining Company alerted the county about the fire at 1:47 p.m., Contra Costa Health said in a Facebook post. The community alert level was as high as a level 3 but has been reduced to a level 2, the City of Martinez said Saturday night.
Contra Costa Health said alerts would go out to the community every 30 minutes until the event ends.
Around 5:15 p.m., the Martinez Refining Company said mutual aid had responded to assist with the fire, which had been contained to the site. Due to the fire, Marina Vista Avenue from Interstate 680 to Court Street, and Shell Avenue from Marina Vista to Pacheco Boulevard were closed.
"Please go inside, close all windows and doors, 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," Contra Costa Health said.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District said it had inspectors on site and issued an air quality advisory in Contra Costa and Solano counties due to the fire.
"Smoke from the fire contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants. Exposure to smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods of time. It is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure," the district said in a statement.
People with respiratory sensitivities could be affected. Some residents may experience eye, skin, nose or throat irritation.
Anyone who experiences irritation should go inside and rinse the affected area. Most people will not experience any issues, Contra Costa Health said.
Bay City News contributed to this report.
