Smoke coming from the refinery (Pinole Police Department) RODEO, CA — A major fire is burning at the NuStar facility in Rodeo, according to the Pinole Police Department. A Shelter-in-Place order has now been issued from Rodeo to Crockett for "a hazardous materials emergency," by the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office Community Warning System. In addition, Interstate Highway 80 has just been shut down in both directions by the California Highway Patrol.
Residents are being told to stay inside, close all windows and doors, and turn off all heaters, air conditioners, and fans.
The order also instructs residents, "do not call 9 1 1 unless you have a life threatening emergency."
Area shaded in red is the Shelter-in-Place zone. Credit, Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office I-80
We will have shutdowns on I-80 from Hwy-4 to the Carquinez Bridge due to the Refinery in Rodeo. Seek alternate routes if I-80 is your normal travel route. More info when we have it. pic.twitter.com/3LhpFK5mqm
— CHP - Contra Costa (@320PIO) October" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/320PIO/sta... 15, 2019
Some residents report hearing explosions. At least two storage tanks have burned.
The tank fire started a grass fire that has raced up the hill behind the storage tanks. It has burned about 5 acres so far, according to Cal Fire, which has joined the fight with air tanker retardant drops and helicopter water drops. Multiple agencies have sent firefighters, trucks and at least one bulldozer to cut a fire line.
Multiple roads are closed in the area to allow firefighters to work unimpeded.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.
I am so keeping that one.