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Fire ignites at Valero oil refinery in Benicia
- A fire ignited at the Valero refinery in Benicia, California, on Monday morning around 8:45 a.m., prompting emergency responses and a shelter-in-place order.
- The fire occurred amid Valero's recent announcement to idle or cease refinery operations by April 2026 following regulatory pressures and environmental fines.
- Officials from the regional air quality agency and Contra Costa Health deployed a hazardous materials team to oversee smoke and assess any possible effects, while Cal-OSHA initiated a probe into the incident.
- Valero stated it prioritizes worker and community safety and is coordinating with authorities, as black smoke from the fire was visible miles away and caused area advisories.
- With California's refining capacity already diminished and the Benicia refinery closing soon, the fire raises concerns about potential fuel supply disruptions and price spikes statewide.
19 Articles
19 Articles
San Francisco Gasoline Prices Rise as Just One Refinery Remains
A fire Monday at Valero’s Benicia refinery leaves only one gasoline plant still operating in the San Francisco Bay Area, putting pressure on prices ahead of peak driving season and stymieing Governor Gavin Newsom’s efforts to offer relief to Californians.
Fire at Valero refinery 'under control,' investigation underway into its cause
A shelter-in-place issued for residents in parts of Solano and Contra Costa counties due to a fire at the Valero refinery in Benicia has been lifted. Refinery officials say the fire is under control and an investigation into its cause is underway.
Valero Refinery fire in Benicia could be seen for miles
BENICIA, Calif. (KPIX) - The Valero Refinery on Monday morning was on fire in Benicia, according to the fire department. The fire was reported at about 8:45 a.m. and was under control about an hour later, firefighters said. Bill Wachob came outside to film all the black smoke billowing for miles. "Everything was blowing across the straits," he said. Contra Costa Health spokeswoman Brittany Goldman said the agency is aware of the fire and send…
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