El Segundo refinery fire controlled as officials investigate cause and air impacts

A late-evening explosion and fire on 2 October 2025 at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery generated flames visible across the South Bay and a strong pressure wave reported by nearby residents. The blaze originated in a processing area that includes the hydrocracking/Isomax complex, where gas oil is converted to jet fuel and diesel. Fire crews and on-site teams contained the incident overnight. City officials reported no evacuation orders, and the operator stated all personnel and contractors were accounted for. Los Angeles International Airport operations continued without interruption.

El Segundo is Chevron’s second-largest U.S. refinery, with capacity near 285,000 barrels per day. It supplies roughly 20% of California’s gasoline and approximately 40% of the jet fuel consumed in Southern California. The facility’s scale led market analysts to consider price impacts; early estimates of large spikes were revised as damage appeared localized. Current guidance suggests a smaller, temporary increase at the pump on the order of five to fifteen cents per gallon, contingent on unit downtime and regional inventories. LAX jet operations were unchanged, and regional marine and roadway closures were not indicated for this incident.

Regional air agencies and city officials deployed fence-line and mobile monitors following the event. Instruments registered short-lived elevations of volatile organic compounds in the immediate area, with readings trending back to typical levels between 1:00 and 3:00 a.m. the following day. Public guidance emphasized staying indoors if odors were present, closing windows and doors, and using properly fitted N95s for sensitive populations if smoke or particulates were noticeable. Medical specialists noted that individuals with asthma, COPD, or compromised immunity may experience heightened airway reactivity even after visible smoke has diminished. Regulatory investigations into cause and compliance are under way.