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.