Fire at Benicia Valero Refinery Contained; Air Quality Monitored

Emergency crews responded Monday morning to a fire at the Valero oil refinery in Benicia that sent thick plumes of black smoke into the air, visible from miles away, including Interstate 680 near Concord.

At approximately 9 a.m., the Benicia Fire Department reported an active fire at the facility, urging residents to remain indoors, close windows and doors, and avoid exposure to the smoke.

By late morning, just before 11 a.m., Solano County officials lifted the shelter-in-place order after firefighters successfully brought the blaze under control. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

In response to the incident, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued an air quality advisory for southern Solano County, northern Contra Costa County, and areas between the I-80 and I-680 corridors. Officials noted that localized impacts were possible, including smoky conditions, odors, and elevated pollutant levels. These effects could change with shifting weather and wind patterns.

“Exposure to smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods,” officials stated, urging residents to take precautions to protect their health.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08) addressed the incident, stating, “We are still gathering information about the cause of the fire and its impacts. I will work with local officials to understand what happened and ensure steps are taken to prevent future incidents.”

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