Bay Area Refinery Fire Causes Health Concerns
Posted on August 7, 2012 Written By: iadminlaw
Gas prices are relatively low for California standards, but they are probably going to rise in the days ahead. The spike in gas prices will also have an impact across the nation.
A massive fire broke out at a Richmond refinery, spewing toxic black smoke across nearby cities and prompting stay-inside orders from health officials.
Location in the state of California (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Officials at the Chevron refinery said in an update early Tuesday morning that the main fire had been extinguished, but a “small controlled burn” was underway “as a safety measure to reduce pressure.”
Despite the controlled burn, the “shelter-in-place” order issued by Contra Costa Health Services for Richmond, North Richmond and San Pablo was no longer in effect, health officials said. The order was lifted just after 11 p.m. Monday, about the same time refinery officials announced the blaze had been contained.
About 200 people complaining of respiratory problems had gone to the Doctors Medical Center in nearby San Pablo by 11:30 p.m. Monday, according to hospital spokeswoman Remy Goldsmith. More patients continued to come into the hospital throughout the night.
Goldsmith said in a statement Tuesday morning that the hospital would “continue to monitor admissions and people seeking services as long as there are heightened air quality concerns.”
Several dozen people went to the Richmond Medical Center complaining of shortness of breath, but none were seriously ill.
All employees and contractors were safely accounted for, officials said Tuesday morning. Three employees who suffered minor injuries were treated at an on-site clinic.
The blaze sent smoke several thousand feet into the air, prompting the shelter-in-place advisories, as well as a health advisory for nearby El Cerrito. The Oakland Police Department also warned residents in the north part of the Oakland Hills.
Shortly after the blaze broke out, Oakland resident Lena Brooks said she was going to El Cerrito to pick up friends so they would not be exposed to the smoke.
“Lots of crazy black smoke,” she said. “We’re evacuating.”
Hearne apologized to the community “for the fire and the smoke” at a news conference Monday night.
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