Martinez, CA — Emergency response crews from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District responded swiftly to a significant fire at the Martinez Refining Company on Saturday afternoon, an incident that may have been accompanied by an explosion, according to officials.

Fire Prevention Captain Ted Leach confirmed that fire crews were dispatched to the refinery at approximately 1:40 p.m.

However, initial response efforts were hampered as firefighters encountered difficulties gaining entry to the facility, making it unclear what specific hazards they were facing upon arrival.

Firefighting units established staging areas near the intersection of Shell Avenue and Marina Vista Avenue to coordinate their response.

A hazardous materials team from Contra Costa County was also deployed to the scene to assess potential environmental and public health risks.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames soaring at least 200 feet into the air, with thick black smoke drifting eastward, driven by prevailing winds.

In response to the escalating situation, refinery employees were evacuated to safety, with groups observed gathering along Pacheco Boulevard, close to the refinery’s perimeter.

In an official statement, the Martinez Refining Company confirmed that all personnel had been safely evacuated and accounted for.

The company classified the event as a Level 2 notification, indicating a hazardous materials release or potential release with possible off-site consequences, including health risks to the surrounding community.

Residents, particularly children and the elderly, were advised to remain indoors as a precaution.

Captain Leach noted that while multiple witnesses reported hearing an explosion, fire officials had not yet verified if an actual blast had occurred.

Contra Costa Health Services issued a public health advisory for residents in Martinez, Pacheco, and Clyde through the county’s health services website.

The advisory warned that the incident could pose risks to individuals with respiratory sensitivities.

“Most people will not be affected,” the advisory stated. “However, some individuals in the affected areas may experience eye, skin, nose, or throat irritation. Those experiencing symptoms are advised to seek shelter indoors and rinse any irritated areas of the body with water.”

The Martinez Refining Company reported that the incident involved both a fire and flaring activity at the refinery. All relevant local, state, and federal agencies have been notified, and trained refinery personnel, alongside county firefighters, are actively working to contain and isolate the fire.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to monitor official channels for the latest developments and safety instructions. For additional information, visit cchealth.org/hazmat.