A catastrophic fire erupted at an oil refinery outside Los Angeles following a powerful explosion on Thursday night. Emergency responders rushed to the scene of the blaze at the Chevron facility in El Segundo, where witnesses described the event as resembling an earthquake or nuclear detonation. One individual reported, “I thought we got nuked or something,” highlighting the sheer intensity of the incident.
Videos captured a massive fireball erupting alongside a thunderous roar, with flames reaching 300 feet high. Kevin Mohr, who was in Manhattan Beach, recounted, “I didn’t know if a plane crashed or there was an earthquake or both.” The explosion prompted immediate action from local authorities, including the El Segundo Police Department, which confirmed multiple reports of the blast.
The fire broke out at the Isomax 7 unit, a critical section of the refinery responsible for converting mid-distillate fuel oil into jet fuel for nearby LAX. While the cause remained under investigation, officials emphasized ongoing efforts to contain the flames. El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel noted that emergency teams were stationed just 0.25 miles from the facility, underscoring the urgency of the response.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office stated it was monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to safeguard nearby communities. LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell confirmed the fire had been restricted to one area of the refinery, though residents were advised to remain indoors and avoid the El Segundo vicinity.
While no evacuations were ordered, concerns about air quality persisted. The South Coast Air Quality Management District reported no immediate spikes in toxins but warned that conditions could shift as smoke settled. Officials urged residents to close windows and doors if smoke or odors were detected.
The incident has left residents grappling with uncertainty as investigations into the explosion’s origins and impacts continue.