Six workers were hurt when a fire erupted at a California refinery Saturday afternoon forcing a temporary shelter-in-place to nearby neighborhoods.
The fire started shortly before 2 p.m. at the Martinez Refining Company. The Contra Costa Fire Protection District said four of the injured workers required hospitalization.
County officials sent area resident level 3 alerts after the fire that was contained to the site by 5:15 p.m.
“Please go inside, close all windows and doors, turn off all heaters, air conditioners, and fans,”
“If not using the fireplace, close fireplace dampers and vents, and cover cracks around doors and windows with tape or damp towels,” Contra Costa Health said in a public advisory.
Inspectors with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District were on site before issuing an air quality advisory in Contra and Solano counties.
“Smoke from the fire contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants,”
“Exposure to smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods of time. It is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure.”
Residents with respiratory sensitivities may be particularly affected by smoke. Symptoms may include eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation.
