A massive blaze erupted late Tuesday at the Chevron oil refinery in El Segundo, near Los Angeles, officials confirmed. The Torrance Police Department reported the incident, and California Governor Gavin Newsom was immediately briefed. His office said it is working closely with local and state agencies to safeguard the community and ensure public safety.

 

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated on X that there was no indication of any impact on nearby Los Angeles International Airport. The Los Angeles Fire Department also said it is prepared to provide additional support if required.

 

So far, no injuries or evacuations have been reported. Authorities continue to assess the full scale of the damage as the fire remains active. Residents in the area were advised to stay clear of the site, and traffic has been rerouted to keep people away from danger.

 

Social media was flooded with dramatic visuals showing the night sky illuminated by a massive fireball, with thick black smoke spreading across the area. Eyewitnesses described hearing a sudden roaring sound followed by an explosion. A 13-year-old local, Julian Reese, told reporters that he and his father felt a blast before seeing the flames. Another witness, Mark Rogers, who was playing soccer nearby, said the impact was so strong he thought “something catastrophic had happened.”

 

The refinery’s location just south of LAX raised fears of flight disruptions, but airport officials confirmed that operations remain normal, with no delays or cancellations linked to the fire.

 

Chevron’s El Segundo refinery, in operation since 1911, is the largest oil-processing facility on the West Coast. It handles about 276,000 barrels of crude oil daily and produces gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Covering nearly 1.5 square miles and featuring more than 1,100 miles of pipelines, the refinery also maintains its own dedicated fire department.