Martinez Shell Refinery Fire Extinguished After Hazmat Response

MARTINEZ (CBS 5) - A small fire at the Shell refinery in Martinez prompted a response from the county's hazardous materials team Monday afternoon.

The fire was reported around 2:00  p.m. at the refinery on Pacheco Boulevard in Martinez. Shell representative Erin Hallissy said the fire broke out in the light oil processing area, and was extinguished within 10 minutes. Crews continued to pour water on the scene about an hour later.

The fire caused a small amount smoke and the Contra Costa County HazMat staff were responding, according to county officials.

There was no shelter-in-place enacted, but people with pre-existing respiratory issues such as asthma were urged to avoid the area.

All Shell employees were safe and accounted for, according to Hallissy.

The fire comes less than a week after a false alarm at the refinery triggered sirens and a shelter-in-place warning, and one week after a huge fire at the Chevron refinery in Richmond.

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