EL SEGUNDO, Los Angeles County – A massive fire, accompanied by a significant explosion, erupted late Thursday night at the Chevron refinery in El Segundo, sending towering flames and thick plumes of smoke into the Los Angeles night sky.
The incident, which occurred around 9:30 p.m. on October 2, 2025, caused widespread concern among residents across the South Bay area, with many reporting they felt a powerful blast. Videos captured by witnesses and ALERTCalifornia cameras revealed a large fireball erupting from the facility.
Emergency Response and Containment
Firefighters from Chevron’s own robust fire department, along with units from the El Segundo Fire Department and other Los Angeles County agencies, immediately responded to the scene. Officials worked quickly to contain the blaze, which was largely confined to one area of the sprawling 1,000-acre refinery complex.
LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell confirmed that crews had successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading beyond the refinery grounds. El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel stated that all refinery personnel and contractors were accounted for and that there were no immediate injuries reported.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom were briefed on the situation, with Newsom’s office coordinating real-time efforts with local and state agencies to ensure public safety.
Public Safety and Community Impact
While authorities assured the public that there was no immediate threat or evacuation orders, the sheer scale of the fire prompted cautionary advice for nearby residents. Some communities, including parts of north Manhattan Beach, issued temporary shelter-in-place orders, urging residents to close windows and doors due to the smoke. Witness accounts described the initial explosion as startling, with one resident comparing the feeling to a “nuke”.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) began monitoring air quality for toxins. Preliminary reports indicated that no elevated levels of air toxins were detected, and Chevron’s own fenceline monitoring system did not register exceedances.
Refinery Background and Significance
The Chevron refinery in El Segundo, operational since 1911, is one of the largest and most significant oil production facilities on the U.S. West Coast. It processes approximately 276,000 to 290,000 barrels of crude oil daily, supplying a substantial portion of the region’s transportation fuels, including roughly 40% of the jet fuel and 20% of the gasoline for Southern California.
The refinery has a long history, originally built by Standard Oil Company and playing a role in the naming of the city itself. Its immense capacity and critical role in the fuel supply chain underscore the importance of its safe operation, a factor that has been highlighted by past incidents, including a fire in 2022 and emissions violations in 2021.
Investigation into the Cause
The specific cause of the explosion and the subsequent massive fire remains under investigation. Emergency services and investigators are working to determine the origin of the incident, gathering information from facility personnel and witness statements. The refinery’s internal fire department, experienced in handling such emergencies, was instrumental in the initial response.
Officials emphasized that while the investigation continues, the containment of the blaze and the absence of reported injuries were positive outcomes. The incident is a stark reminder of the operational complexities and inherent risks associated with large-scale industrial facilities like the Chevron refinery, a significant entity within the Los Angeles landscape. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. This News report will be updated as more information becomes available. This story was previously featured on other news outlets.
