This story was updated to correct the date of the 2012 Chevron refinery fire.
The Bay Area Air District has issued an air quality advisory for smoke in southern Solano, northern Contra Costa, and northwestern Alameda counties due to a fire that broke out around 9 a.m. Monday morning at the Valero refinery in Benicia.
At risk are communities between the Interstate 80 and 680 bridges (Martinez, Pacheco, Concord and Port Chicago), but the poor air quality could be experienced as far southwest as Oakland, according to an air district press release.
Residents of downwind neighborhoods could experience smoky skies, the smell of smoke and elevated levels of particulates and other harmful pollutants. The fire comes on a particularly windy day, with the National Weather Service Bay Area issuing a wind advisory until 2 p.m. Monday and noting that high wind gusts combined with warm temperatures are drying out fuel and causing a higher risk of fires spreading.
The air district said that it’s working with first responders to advise them on meteorology and air quality issues related to the refinery fire.
“Inspectors are on site investigating the incident, responding to public complaints and documenting any violations of air quality regulations,” the district stated, adding that it will post an incident report once its findings are complete.
Learn more about west Contra Costa County air pollution issues in Richmondside’s series, “What’s in Richmond’s Air?”
Smoke from the fire contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants. Exposure to smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods of time. It is important that Bay Area residents avoid exposure is possible by staying inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside. It’s also advised that drivers set car vents to recirculate to prevent outside air from coming in. Using indoor air filters can also help reduce smoke exposure.
Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing cough, a dry scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or COPD. Elderly people, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.
Valero, one of three Bay Area refineries, announced two weeks ago that it plans to close its Benicia location by 2026. The fire marks the second to break out at an area refinery in recent months. A fire at the Martinez refinery in February, the latest in a series of incidents there, has inspired activists to demand better protections for their health.
In 2012 there was a catastrophic Chevron Richmond fire that sent thousands of people to hospitals, mostly for respiratory concerns. The incident is credited with helping to spur a new environmental justice movement in the city.
