Massive Fire Erupts at Chevron's El Segundo Refinery Turning Los Angeles Sky Orange

A spectacular blaze illuminated the Los Angeles night sky on Thursday following an explosion that triggered a significant fire at Chevron's oil refinery in El Segundo. Local officials urged residents to remain indoors during the firefighting efforts.

Residents of El Segundo, a coastal community located just south of Los Angeles International Airport, shared social media videos depicting enormous flames rising from the refinery accompanied by prolonged rumbling sounds.

"I thought we got nuked or something," remarked Mike Rogers, a Los Angeles resident whose adult soccer league match was canceled shortly after the fire erupted due to heavy smoke conditions.

Approximately 30 minutes after the flames appeared, authorities released a statement confirming no immediate public safety threat existed and no evacuation orders had been issued. No casualties were reported at the time of this report.

The cause of the fire, which appears to have erupted suddenly, was not addressed by either local authorities or Chevron representatives.

LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell informed media that firefighting teams successfully contained the blaze to one section of the refinery, eliminating the need for resident evacuation.

"It has been contained, and there is no cause for alarm for El Segundo or the surrounding areas," Mitchell stated.

California Governor Gavin Newsom's office announced he "has been briefed on the incident at Chevron's El Segundo refinery in Los Angeles County."

"Our office is coordinating in real time with local and state agencies to protect the surrounding community and ensure public safety," his press office communicated via X platform.

According to Chevron's website, the El Segundo facility represents the largest oil refinery on the US West Coast, processing over 276,000 barrels of crude daily, producing gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel. The refinery spans approximately 1.5 square miles (3.9 square kilometers) and incorporates more than 1,100 miles (1,770 kilometers) of pipelines. Operating since 1911, it ranks as California's second-largest oil refinery according to state records.