Ly-in-place alarm lifted to parts of Martinez north of refinery

Update, at. 22 Saturday: An alarm about shelter has been lifted for parts of Martinez north of Martinez Refining Company’s refinery as well as parts of the nearby communities of Pacheco and Clyde, according to Contra Costa County Public Health officials.

A fire broke out at the refinery around 2 p.m. 13.45 Saturday and sent thick black smoke in the air for hours.

In a Saturday night Submit on the company’s Facebook pagesaid officials that firefighters had made “significant progress on the fire at the refinery.”

Public Health officials said that less advice for the same areas remains in force and warns that people with breathing sensitivity may experience irritation from smoke in the air.

Update at. 21 Saturday: Contra Costa County officials said on Saturday night that the fire at Martinez Refining Company’s facility continues to burn, despite the efforts to turn off the one that has gone for hours.

At a press conference around 1 p.m. 19 Saturday, officials said, so far, they have not been able to close the pipes or “lines” that carry chemicals as part of the refining process that feeds the fire.

Officials said there have been a total of six people treated as a result of the fire. Three were taken to the hospital with easier injuries and three were released on site.

A warning about shelter is in force for parts of Martinez north of the refinery due to the influences of smoke. Sirens will continue to get off in the area every half hour until the incident is completed.