😱 A massive fire broke out at Chevron's El Segundo refinery near Los Angeles, California, one of the largest on the U.S. west coast. State officials confirmed the blaze on Thursday, with Governor Gavin Newsom's press office on the scene.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the cause remains unclear, but CBS reported that officers and firefighters rushed to the site after reports of an explosion. Thick plumes of smoke could be seen from miles away, prompting local alerts and road closures as emergency crews battled the flames 🚒.
Why It Matters
Fuel from this refinery powers thousands of vehicles and businesses across Southern California. Any prolonged shutdown could ripple through gas stations and impact local commuters. Plus, there's growing concern over air quality as communities downwind brace for ash and soot 🌫️.
Next Steps
Authorities are investigating the source of the fire, while Chevron works with first responders to contain hot spots and assess damage. We'll keep you updated as more details emerge. Stay safe, amigos! ✌️
Reference(s):
Live: Large fire breaks out at El Segundo refinery in Los Angeles
cgtn.com