Explosion at Chevron refinery in El Segundo, fire largely contained

An explosion and large fire erupted at the Chevron oil refinery in El Segundo, California, late Thursday night, sending towering flames and thick plumes of smoke visible for miles across the South Bay. The blast was reported at about 9:30 p.m., and emergency crews from Chevron’s on-site fire brigade and the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the scene, officials said.

Local police confirmed the blaze at the refinery just south of Los Angeles International Airport. Authorities reported no injuries and no evacuation orders in the immediate aftermath. Airport officials said operations at LAX were not affected shortly after the fire began. Traffic near the plant was being diverted and residents were urged to avoid the area while crews worked to control the flames.

Witnesses described a powerful blast and an intense orange glow lighting the night sky. Julian Reese, 13, said he and his father felt a major blast and ran outside to see the fire. Mike Rogers, who was playing in an adult soccer league a few miles from the refinery, said the blast prompted officials to cancel their game because of heavy smoke. "I thought we got nuked or something," he said.