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RICHMOND (CBS SF) – Crews have fully contained at a 3-alarm fire that followed an explosion at the Chevron refinery in Richmond Monday night. The fire caused shelter-in-place warnings for several East Bay communities, and a number of people checked in to local hospitals complaining of respiratory problems.
The fire started at the refinery's "4 Crude Unit" at 6:15 p.m. Monday, according to a statement from Chevron. The company said a small leak in the diesel processing unit grew and caught fire.
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A shot time later, at least two steady eruptions of flame were visible from CBS 5 cameras. A pair of thick plumes of smoke were also rising into the skies of the East Bay well into the night.
Residents of Richmond, The North Oakland Hills, North Richmond, West Richmond, Rodeo, El Cerrito and San Pablo were directed to stay in their homes until the situation could be resolved. The Richmond Bay Area Rapid Transit station was also closed as of 9:45. El Cerrito service resumed after hours of closure.
A Richmond Kaiser Hospital reported about three dozen emergency room patients with respiratory concerns.
Refinery general manager Nigel Hearne said at a news conference around 8:30 p.m. that one employee suffered a minor burn to his wrist and was treated on site.
He offered an apology to residents and said the priority is extinguishing the blaze.
"As you can see, we've made significant progress, and we're still in the process of controlling the fire," Hearne said.
Viewer Photos Of The Fire, Smoke
The company said that all employees were safe and accounted for.
"Our priority right now is containing the fire and protecting the health and safety of our employees and the community," a statement read.
An automated phone message sent out by Contra Costa Health Services informed nearby residents that an emergency at the refinery.
"Go inside. Close all windows and doors," the message stated.
It advised residents to turn off heaters, air conditioners and fans, and to cover cracks around doors with tape or damp towels.
Residents are being urged to stay off the phone to keep the line free for further alerts. A siren was sounding every half-hour while the firefight continued.
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