A massive fire has broken out at a Chevron (CVX) oil refinery in California, one of the largest on the U.S. west coast, following media reports of an explosion.
No injuries were reported from the incident at the El Segundo plant, said Chevron, whose own fire department is responding to the fire that has largely engulfed the refinery.
It is not clear what caused the initial explosion and subsequent fire.
“All refinery personnel and contractors have been accounted for and there are no injuries,” Chevron said in a written statement.
No evacuation orders for area residents have been issued by emergency response agencies that are monitoring the situation.
The El Segundo oil refinery is capable of refining 290,000 barrels of crude oil per day, according to Chevron. The main products produced at the plant are gasoline and jet fuel.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said they are coordinating with local and state agencies to protect the surrounding community and ensure public safety.
News of the fire appears to be contributing to an uptick in oil prices, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, the U.S. standard, up half a percentage point at $60.74 U.S. per barrel.
The stock of Chevron has gained 5% this year to trade at $153.37 U.S. per share.
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