Fire erupts at Valero refinery in California weeks after closure announcement

A black, thick cloud of smoke filled the sky above Valero's oil refinery in California Monday

The intense fire caused the fire department to warn residents to stay inside their homes or find shelter

After close to two hours, the fire was extinguished, revealing the damage left behind

The local fire department went in for cleanup, finding particulate matter present

but air quality levels weren't hazardous to the public. The refinery in Benicia, California pumps out 145,000 barrels per day, but just at the end of April, Valero announced it would be shutting down its operations

Valero Energy Corporation told the California Energy Commission come April 2026 they will no longer turn crude oil into petroleum products used most commonly for fuel

When making the announcement, Valero President, Chairman and CEO Lane Riggs said

We understand the impact that this may have on our employees, business partners and community, and will continue to work with them through this period

The decision centers around the state of California high gas prices but mainly the strict environmental regulations companies must follow Bay Area regulators fined Valero million in 2024 for their role in producing significant

amounts of air pollution. Valero took ownership of the refinery in 2000, becoming the sixth

largest in California. Benicia's mayor, Steve Young, said the city is working to determine

the economic scope the refinery's closure will have, saying, quote, Valero has long been part of Benicia's identity and economy, adding we will be working with Valero, regional partners and state agencies to better understand the path ahead

Valero isn't the only oil refiner choosing to pull out of California

Phillips 66 said two of its facilities will switch to biofuel production, which is a renewable energy source derived from living matter like plants

But its third one in Los Angeles will shut down operations completely

Valero says no injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation

For Straight Arrow News, I'm Kaylee Carey. Find more detailed, unbiased news right now on our Straight Arrow News mobile app or on san.com