A massive blaze that erupted and burned throughout the night at the Chevron refinery in El Segundo appears to be under control Friday morning, but the investigation into what caused the fire has yet to begin.
Residents reported hearing an explosion, with some even saying that their houses shook when the fire broke out around 9:30 p.m. “It felt like an earthquake,” said resident Jax Nellor.
Multiple fires could still be seen burning at the refinery as Sky5 was overhead at 4:30 a.m. on Friday.
“It’s looking a bit better this morning, but they are still putting water on it,” KTLA’s Erin Myers reported. “Some smoke and some fire are still very active.”
The City of El Segundo issued a statement Friday morning indicating that the fire was under control, but any investigation into the cause would have to wait.
Flames rise from the Chevron refinery in El Segundo, Calif., Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope) 
Smoke rises on Oct. 3, 2025, after a massive Chevron refinery fire in El Segundo. (KTLA) 
A massive fire at the Chevron refinery in El Segundo is seen on Oct. 3, 2025. (KTLA) 
A massive blaze erupted at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery on Oct. 2, 2025. (KTLA) 
The fire at the Chevron refinery in El Segundo, California on Oct. 2, 2025. 
The fire at the Chevron refinery in El Segundo, California on Oct. 2, 2025. 
A massive blaze erupted at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery on Oct. 2, 2025. (KTLA) 
A massive blaze erupted at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery on Oct. 2, 2025. (KTLA) 
A massive blaze erupted at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery on Oct. 2, 2025. (KTLA) 
A massive blaze erupted at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery on Oct. 2, 2025. (Citizen) 
A massive blaze erupted at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery on Oct. 2, 2025. (Citizen) 
A massive blaze erupted at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery on Oct. 2, 2025. (Citizen) 
A massive blaze erupted at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery on Oct. 2, 2025. (Citizen) 
A massive blaze erupted at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery on Oct. 2, 2025. (AlertCalifornia) 
A massive blaze erupted at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery on Oct. 2, 2025. (AlertCalifornia)
“The fire originated at a process unit at the southeast corner of the refinery. The fire is contained, but fire crews continue to work to fully extinguish the incident. Once the fire is safely extinguished, Chevron will launch an investigation to determine the cause,” a portion of the statement read.
Thursday night, the massive fire at the refinery on 324 West El Segundo Boulevard sent flames so high that they were seen from Pepperdine University in Malibu, more than 20 miles away.
The refinery’s fire department was able to prevent the flames from spreading to other parts of the facility by using water lines to douse the fire.
Roads around the refinery were closed and shelter-in-place orders were given Thursday night, but they have all been lifted. No evacuation orders were issued.
Officials recommend that residents keep doors and windows closed due to potential air quality issues, but as of early Friday morning, air quality in the area was still good.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said she was monitoring the situation. Governor Gavin Newsom also released a statement on X, saying state officials were aware of the blaze.
“Our office is coordinating in real time with local and state agencies to protect the surrounding community and ensure public safety,” the statement read.
A refinery spokesperson has confirmed that all personnel have been accounted for and no injuries were reported.
