EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — An explosion followed by a significant fire erupted at the Chevron refinery Thursday night, creating a towering inferno that illuminated the night sky and was visible from miles away. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m., prompting a swift response from emergency personnel.

Local officials confirmed that while there was a fire, there was no immediate threat to the public, and evacuation orders were not deemed necessary. However, authorities issued a shelter-in-place directive for parts of north Manhattan Beach, advising residents to stay indoors until the situation stabilized.

Footage captured at the time of the blast depicted a dramatic fireball accompanied by a loud roar. Within an hour, flames subsided, and the smoke began to dissipate, although strong flames continued to blaze near the southern end of the refinery. By 10:30 p.m., Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell announced that the fire was largely under control, emphasizing that no injuries had been reported and there was no cause for concern in surrounding neighborhoods.

El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel reassured the public that the blaze remained confined to refinery property, with all personnel accounted for. The cause of the explosion has yet to be determined, and investigations are ongoing.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as the explosion reverberated. Julian Reese, 13, recounted feeling a powerful shockwave that sent him and his father rushing outside to witness the flames. Nearby, Mark Rogers experienced the blast while playing soccer, expressing disbelief at the intensity of the event.

Smoke filled the skies of El Segundo and South Bay, drawing attention from nearby communities. Firefighting crews, including personnel from the refinery’s own emergency team and regional agencies, were deployed to tackle the flames. Residents and onlookers reported seeing plumes of smoke that turned the evening skies orange.

Traffic in the area was rerouted as emergency services worked on-site. Road closures were enforced along crucial routes to manage the safety of both responders and the public. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom were updated on the ongoing situation, with Bass confirming that Los Angeles International Airport remained unaffected.

The Chevron refinery is part of an industrial landscape familiar with such incidents. Previous fires at the facility and others in the region have raised concerns about safety protocols. A fire at the same refinery last year took hours to extinguish, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by emergency responders in such environments.

As investigations continue, authorities remain focused on monitoring air quality and ensuring the wellbeing of community members. The seriousness of the incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with industrial operations in populated areas.