Contra Costa Health officials have lifted a public health advisory linked to a weekend fire at the Martinez Refining Company facility after confirming the fire is out.
County health officials said Tuesday residents in the affected area can now resume normal activities and should open doors and windows to air out buildings and homes.
Six workers were injured in the explosion and ensuing fire Saturday afternoon that prompted surrounding communities to shelter in place until Saturday evening.
CCH said in a statement it was first notified of the event when MRC, owned by PBF Energy, reported the fire through the county’s Community Warning System at 1:49 p.m. Saturday.
County hazardous materials crews have continued to monitor air quality since Saturday.
In addition to a 72-hour report that MRC was required to file with the county Tuesday, plus subsequent 30-day reports, MRC must perform a root cause analysis of the fire. The analysis is an investigation aimed at identifying how the fire happened and what can be done to prevent future similar ones from occurring.
‘This is not acceptable’
County officials said they are also investigating the cause of the fire. Earlier Tuesday, Contra Costa County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, who represents the district where the refinery is located, called for a full facility audit of MRC.
Scales-Preston, elected to the board in November to represent District 5, said in a statement she has been on the ground and in meetings with refinery representatives, Martinez Mayor Brianne Zorn, Contra Costa Health officials, first responders, and members of the community.
“I understand the frustration, fear, and anger experienced by Martinez residents in the wake of Saturday’s fire at the Martinez Refining Company,” Scales-Preston said in the statement. “This is the third major incident since PBF Energy purchased the refinery in 2020 and many more spills and releases have occurred since then. This is not acceptable, and I am working to get answers for our community.”
She acknowledged the county and regulatory agencies will investigate the fire and the danger it posed — and may still pose — for the community. She said she wants to go beyond those investigations.
“I am requesting a full facility audit under the provisions of the county’s industrial safety ordinance,” Scales-Preston said. “This independent oversight is necessary if we are to have confidence in the management and operation of the refinery.”
The supervisor said her biggest concern is the health and safety of Martinez residents, workers, and the greater Contra Costa County community.
“The refinery must face consequences for any violations found in the investigation. When we have more information, I will convene a town hall meeting to share what we’ve learned and get feedback from residents.” Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston
“I will keep working to find answers and implement changes as soon as possible,” Scales-Preston said. “The refinery must face consequences for any violations found in the investigation. When we have more information, I will convene a town hall meeting to share what we’ve learned and get feedback from residents.”
The refinery is shut down except for required utility systems, MRC posted in its latest incident response update Tuesday.
Contra Costa Health updates will be posted on the Community Warning System website. MRC also provides real-time fenceline air monitoring on its website.