Fire Broke Out Torrance Refinery's Asphalt Tank

TORRANCE, CA — A fire broke out Thursday atop an asphalt tank at the Torrance Refining Co. facility, but no one was injured, no harmful contaminants were detected off-site and the flames were extinguished by choking off the tank's oxygen supply, authorities said.

The fire was reported about 6:30 p.m. at the refinery at 3700 W. 190th St., between Crenshaw Boulevard and Prairie Avenue, Torrance Fire Department Assistant Chief Steve Treskes told City News Service.

About 25 firefighters responded to the scene, but did not actively fight the fire, which appeared to involve some insulation on the outside of the tank, Treskes said.

They monitored the air on the refinery grounds and at the perimeter and detected no airborne contaminants, Treskes said.

Crews confirmed about 9:10 p.m. that the fire was extinguished, Treskes said.

Other than the affected tank, other processes at the refinery continued as usual, Treskes said.

— City News Service, photo courtesy of Torrance Refining Co.