Unexpected Blaze Engulfs Large El Segundo Refinery, Visible Throughout South Bay
A sudden explosion and resulting fire at an oil refinery in El Segundo resulted in towering flames visible from miles away, shaking the quiet of the night.
El Segundo's city officials confirmed the incident at the refinery, reassuring residents that there was no danger to the public nor a need for evacuation. However, residents living in parts of north Manhattan Beach were asked to stay indoors until the early hours of the morning.
Fireball Lights Up the Night Sky
The explosion, which happened close to 9:30 p.m., birthed a massive fireball and a loud, prolonged roar, much to the shock of local residents. Despite the initial intensity, the fire significantly reduced in size over the next hour, leaving behind strong, bright flames burning near the southern part of the refinery.
Around 10:30 p.m., a local official assured the public that the fire was mostly under control. She emphasized that there were no injuries reported and that the surrounding areas were safe. However, she advised those living nearby to remain indoors where possible, while air quality conditions were being closely monitored.
No Threat Beyond Refinery Grounds
The Mayor of El Segundo clarified that the fire was contained within the refinery's perimeter and that all staff members were safe and accounted for. The cause of the fire, however, remained unidentified.
Thick smoke plumes were seen across El Segundo and South Bay, while firefighters were actively battling the flames. The refinery's internal fire station and additional local agencies joined forces to manage the situation.
Residents React to the Blaze
In north Redondo Beach, the smoke contrasted starkly with the orange evening sky. A 13-year-old, Julian Reese, recounted how he and his father felt the explosion's shock and saw the sky filled with flames.
Mark Rogers, an adult soccer league player at Aviation Park, a few miles from the refinery, was taken aback by the explosion. "I thought we got nuked or something," said the 34-year-old, whose game was subsequently cancelled due to the heavy smoke.
Keith Mohr, a 53-year-old resident living just south of the refinery in Manhattan Beach, immediately told his wife to gather their dogs and get in the car after feeling the blast. They returned home once it was confirmed that there was no public safety threat. "This was 300-foot flames," said Mohr, who had lived near the refinery for over 20 years and had never witnessed a fire of such magnitude.
Traffic and Road Closures
Traffic was rerouted from the scene, and road closures were implemented on Rosecrans Avenue, from Vista Del Mar to Pacific Coast Highway, and along Pacific Coast Highway, from Rosecrans Avenue to El Segundo Boulevard.
The Mayor of Los Angeles and the Governor were both informed about the incident. They confirmed that there was no known impact on Los Angeles International Airport. They also assured that they were working closely with local and state agencies to safeguard the community and maintain public safety.
Refinery Fires: An Unfortunate Reality
Despite the rarity of such incidents, fires at refineries are not new to South Bay, which houses several major oil production facilities. In the past, fires at the El Segundo facility and the Marathon Petroleum refinery in Carson have raised concerns, but they were eventually brought under control without causing significant damage to refinery operations.