A huge fire at an oil refinery in California, which led to tens of thousands of residents being told to stay indoors, has been brought under control.
The blaze at the Chevron refinery in Richmond broke out shortly after 6.00pm local time on Monday 6 August, with plumes of smoke reported drifting across the San Francisco bay area.
Three workers sustained minor injuries and were treated on site.
The fire was brought under control after around four hours.
A statement from Chevron issued at 7.15am on Tuesday local time said:
The main fire has now been extinguished. Safety officials are allowing a small controlled burn as a safety measure to reduce pressure. This is helping to ensure more hydrocarbons don’t escape. This is similar in concept to how refineries utilise flares.
All employees and contractors are safely accounted for. Three employees sustained minor injuries and were treated on site.
