NuStar Refinery Tank Fire Prompts Benicia Health Advisory

BENICIA, CA — UPDATE: At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, the city of Benicia lifted its health advisory related to emissions from a fire involving ethanol tanks at the NuStar oil refinery in nearby Contra Costa County. The advisory was for residents with respiratory issues, but even healthy residents were encouraged to refrain from being outside.

"Continuous mobile air monitoring in the community show air conditions are all within normal limits," city officials said via email at 6:45 p.m.

Personnel with the Benicia Fire Department and the city will continue to monitor the situation at all times and if needed, will issue alerts, according to the city.

ORIGINAL POST: As a fire continued to burn Tuesday at an oil refinery in nearby Contra Costa County, the city of Benicia issued an advisory for residents with respiratory issues. The fire was initially reported as an explosion around 1:50 p.m. at the NuStar Energy facility at 90 San Pablo Ave. in Crockett.

Fire officials said two large tanks of ethanol were burning at a tank farm facility associated with the NuStar refinery, but no injuries or deaths have been reported.

Air monitoring within the city of Benicia showed a minor increase in emissions in the air, city officials said via email at 4:47 p.m. Tuesday.

"The city of Benicia recommends avoiding exertion outdoors, especially for elderly or very young," city officials said. "The smoke from the fire may cause discomfort when breathed in and can exacerbate (worsen) underlying respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD."

Even healthy individuals should limit outdoor activity, city officials said.

According to the city, those with respiratory compromise should immediately do the following:

• Go inside their home, workplace or nearest building that appears to be reasonably airtight and stay there.
• Close all doors, windows and any fireplace dampers. Cracks around doors and windows can be sealed with tape or damp towels.
• Stay tuned to receive emergency announcements and instructions.

According to a statement from NuStar, the affected tanks were holding less than 1 percent of their total capacity and adjacent tanks are being cooled to reduce the risk of the fire spreading.

MORE HERE ABOUT THE FIRE: Refinery Tank Fire Rodeo, Crockett: Shelter In Place; I-80 Closed

ALSO SEE: Earthquake Interrupts Martinez Refinery Operations

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.