PBF Energy Martinez, California (U.S.) refinery shut down after Saturday fire
PBF Energy said on Sunday its 156,400-bpd Martinez, California (U.S.) refinery was shut down after a fire on Saturday.
PBF said the fire was under control and continuing to burn. Firefighters were monitoring the blaze on Sunday.
An initial focus of the company's investigation of the blaze is whether a leak from maintenance activities contributed to the fire's ignition, PBF said.
The refinery's utilities remain in operation, the company said.
The fire, which broke out on Saturday afternoon at the refinery located 23 m (37 km) northeast of San Francisco, was brought under control early on Sunday morning, the company said.
The Contra Costa County Health Department warned residents with respiratory sensitivity to remain indoors with air conditioning systems turned off because of smoke continuing from the fire.
Six workers were treated for injuries sustained in the fire on Saturday. They were later released from medical care.
PBF said in a statement smoke would be visible from the fire until the blaze is extinguished. The company also expects to use the safety flare system throughout the week.
Refineries use safety flares when production units cannot process hydrocarbons normally.
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