Posted on 10/17/2001 9:52:45 AM PDT by Talkwire
Refinery Fire in Martinez Shuts Down I-680
Source: kcbs Publication date: 2001-10-17
(KCBS) -A fire in a reactor unit at the Equilon Refinery in Martinez has prompted a level three emergency...and has forced the CHP to shut down nearby I-680 from the Benicia Bridge to Hiway 4. Lou Pascali, with the Contra Costa health Department tells KCBS residents in the area are being advised to seek shelter in their homes and to keep all doors and windows closed.
He says the Community Alert System has been activated, meaning all people living and working within a half mile of the area are being warned of the emergency by phone. Sirens are also going off, signaling the alert.
KCBS listener Chris Gilardo says a huge cloud of greenish-yellow smoke is pouring from the refinery, blowing in the direction of Concord.
KCBS traffic anchor Ron Lyons says drivers calling KCBS report seeing the smoke and are complaining of an awful smell related to the fire.
Keep listening to KCBS for continuing coverage of this emergency
True enough, but it wouldn't surprise me in the least if this was the work of some eco-terrorist or anti-oil nutcase.
Flammable material catching on fire?
Whoever woulda thunk it?
/sarcasm off
It sounds like this was in a part of the refinery which was creating chemicals, and not just gasoline. The smoke might very well be toxic.
Residents should get out of the area immediately and wait for further information.
Stupid quesiton but isn't a reactor related to a nuclear plant?
Chlorine gas in the air makes the air smell strongly like a swimming pool.
KCBS) -A fire in a cracker unit at the Equilon Refinery in Martinez has prompted a level three emergency...and has forced the CHP to shut down both directions of nearby I-680 from the Benicia Bridge to Hiway 4.
Lou Pascali, with the Contra Costa health Department tells KCBS residents in the area are being advised to seek shelter in their homes and to keep all doors and windows closed.
He says the Community Alert System has been activated, meaning all people living and working within a half mile of the area are being warned of the emergency by phone. Sirens are also going off, signaling the alert.
KCBS reporter Holly Quan, on the scene, says some people are not heeding the warnings, and are walking around the area. She says a number of refinery workers wearing hard hats have been evacuated. Some of them tell Quan there is sulfer in the smoke.
KCBS listener Chris Gilardo says he saw a huge cloud of greenish-yellow smoke pouring from the refinery, blowing in the direction of the Carquinez Straits.
KCBS traffic anchor Ron Lyons says drivers calling KCBS report seeing the smoke and are complaining of a strong smell related to the fire.
Keep listening to KCBS for continuing coverage of this emergency.
Hey, East Bay Patriot, you still there? What's goin' on outside your window?
Well, Holly obviously isn't too bright, either.
Suspicious Suitcase Found at SFO
Source: kcbs
Publication date: 2001-10-17
(KCBS and AP)- Part of San Francisco International Airport was evacuated this morning after security guards found a bag they thought might contain explosives.
KCBS reporter Ron Naso, at SFO say a bomb squad was called and thousands of passengers were told to evacuate a portion of the north terminal around 8:30am.
The bag was left unattended near United Airlines' ticket counter. An X-ray showed possible explosives inside.
Officials are questioning the owner of the suicase.
It is being examined by a bomb squad.
A number of flights have been delayed as a result of the bomb scare. Airport spokesman Ron Wilson says to call ahead to check on the status of specific arrivals and departures
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