A massive fire erupted at the Chevron refinery in El Segundo on Thursday night, October 2, lighting up the night sky with a large fireball and prompting a major emergency response.
The footage released by AlertCalifornia and social media users revealed intense flames shooting into the air.
Experts are investigating the cause of the fire and the factors that intensified it. Some initial reports allegedly state that an explosion may have proceeded by the fire.
The refinery’s internal fire department is fighting the flames, along with units from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, what is also working hand in hand to control the blaze.
The geographical location of the refinery is also adding to the threat of major disadvantage as the facility is located just a few miles south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where around 1,500 employees work.
According to official reports as of late Thursday, no injuries have been reported related to the incident.
Additionally, there are no evacuation orders for the neighbouring areas, including the nearby city of Manhattan Beach.
But due to high smoke, officials have urged residents to keep their doors and windows closed as a precautionary measure.
The Chevron refinery at El Segundo is a significant fuel production plant for the Southern California region.
The level of the damage and the possible consequences to the operations are unknown. The reason behind the major fire is still under investigation.