Los Angeles area refinery catches on fire after explosion

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(The Center Square) – A Chevron refinery in the Los Angeles area caught on fire after an explosion Thursday night.

The El Segundo Fire Department responded at 9:32 p.m. to the blaze at the facility in El Segundo. The city of El Segundo on Friday morning reported the fire was contained after suppression efforts by El Segundo and Chevron fire departments. Assistance came from the Los Angeles County, Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach fire departments.

“There is no threat to the public,” the city posted on its Facebook page.

Fire crews are continuing to work to fully extinguish the blaze. After that, Chevron plans to investigate, the city said.

Chevron reported there were no injuries and noted it was an "isolated fire."

Orange flames and plumes of smoke were visible around the refinery, according to media reports. 

The city said the fire started at a process unit at the refinery’s southeast corner. 

"The fire at the Chevron refinery has been contained thanks to the swift and coordinated response from ESFD, Chevron's on-site fire department, and our mutual aid partners,” said El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel.  “We conduct joint training and safety drills with Chevron, and with that preparation and collaboration, we are ready for incidents like this. We're grateful that this situation was managed quickly, and the safety of the community is our highest priority."

The city said Chevron is cooperating with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Air Quality Management District.

This is a developing story.