A fire broke out at the Martinez Refining Company (MRC) on Saturday, prompting a shelter-in-place order for parts of Martinez and Pacheco. The fire resulted in six injuries and led to concerns about air quality and environmental impact. The shelter-in-place order was lifted later that night as authorities continued to assess the situation.
Fire and Emergency Response
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District received initial reports of black smoke from the refinery at approximately 1:40 p.m. The fire quickly escalated, leading to emergency warnings and a shelter-in-place order.
Authorities confirmed that six people sustained minor injuries. Two were treated on-site and released, while four were transported to local hospitals. One person remains under medical supervision.
A unified command was established between MRC, the fire department, and the City of Martinez. Additional firefighting teams were deployed to contain the fire within the 860-acre refinery.
Road Closures and Public Warnings
Several roads in the area were temporarily closed, including:
- Marina Vista Avenue (from Interstate 680 to Court Street)
- Shell Avenue (from Marina Vista Avenue to Pacheco Boulevard)
A Level 3 alert—the most severe in the four-tier emergency notification system—was issued, instructing residents north of the refinery to shelter indoors and seal windows and doors. Residents were advised to turn off air conditioning and ventilation systems to minimize exposure to potential airborne contaminants.
Investigation and Environmental Impact
Authorities confirmed that there was a hydrocarbon leak that ignited, but the exact cause remains under investigation. MRC’s public information officer, Brandon Matson, stated that construction was ongoing at the site, though it is unclear if this contributed to the incident.
County health officials are monitoring air quality and will provide updates as more information becomes available. A public health advisory remains in effect for individuals with respiratory sensitivities in Martinez, Pacheco, and Clyde due to residual smoke in the area.
Conclusion
The fire at Martinez Refining Company has raised concerns about refinery safety, emergency response times, and environmental impact. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire while monitoring air quality and public health. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels as more details emerge.
