Chevron Corporation confirms that a large explosion occurred late Thursday evening at its El Segundo oil refinery in Southern California, triggering a massive fireball and sending plumes of smoke into the night sky. The incident was reported around 9:30 PM local time and prompted immediate emergency response from both Chevron’s internal fire department and the El Segundo Fire Department.
No injuries have been reported, and all personnel and contractors have been accounted for. The fire was successfully contained to one section of the refinery, and no evacuation orders were issued for surrounding neighborhoods. Officials have assured residents that air quality monitoring systems detected no hazardous exceedances beyond the facility’s fence line.
Eyewitnesses described the explosion as “like a small earthquake,” with flames reportedly reaching heights of 300 feet. The refinery, located just a mile from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), did not disrupt flight operations, according to airport officials.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office stated that it is coordinating in real time with local and state agencies to ensure public safety. “Our office is monitoring the situation closely and working to protect the surrounding community,” the governor’s press team said.
Chevron’s El Segundo facility is one of the largest oil refineries on the U.S. West Coast, processing approximately 290,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, and Chevron has pledged full cooperation with regulatory authorities to determine the origin of the incident.
“We appreciate the swift response of emergency personnel and the support of local officials,” said a Chevron spokesperson. “Our priority remains the safety of our workers, the community, and the environment.”