El Segundo: Fire crews battled a massive blaze at the Chevron refinery in El Segundo, just outside Los Angeles, on Thursday night, October 2, 2025. A powerful explosion around 9:30 p.m. (local time) sent a huge fireball into the sky, visible for miles, with flames and thick smoke lighting up the South Bay area.

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed the incident on X, stating, “Our office is coordinating in real time with local and state agencies to protect the surrounding community and ensure public safety”. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said there was no known impact on the Los Angeles International Airport and that the city’s fire department stood ready to assist.

The Chevron El Segundo refinery, operational since 1911 and the company’s second-largest in California, has a capacity of 290,000 barrels per day, producing gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel. The facility has its own fire department, supported by regional agencies during the response.

El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel confirmed the Chevron refinery explosion remained within refinery grounds and all personnel were accounted for. Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell said the blaze was largely contained by 10:30 p.m. (local time), with no immediate injuries reported and no evacuation orders issued. Residents were advised to stay indoors due to air quality concerns.

Traffic was diverted, with road closures along Rosecrans Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway. The cause of the El Segundo fire in 2025 remains under investigation, and Chevron has not yet released an official statement.