Compliance Activity

Fire Investigation - February 18, 2017

South Coast AQMD inspectors were at the Torrance refinery all day February 18, 2017 investigating an incident. A fire started about 6:00 am in equipment related to the crude unit. Flaring was required but the refinery continued operations.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.The South Coast Air Quality Management District dispatched field inspection staff this morning to the Torrance Refining Co. in response to a fire at the refinery.

The refinery reported the following:

At approximately 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2017, the Torrance Refinery experienced a localized fire in a process area.

Plant personnel quickly contained and extinguished the fire, working with Torrance Fire Department (TFD) who responded to the site. The Del Amo Street Barriers were activated under an abundance of caution.

All safety systems at the refinery operated properly and all personnel are safe and accounted for, with no injuries or offsite impact.

The incident was reported to appropriate agencies including the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Torrance Fire Department, California Office of Emergency Services, and we continue to work with these agencies.

The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.

Other than the affected unit, the refinery continues to operate.

South Coast AQMD will post additional updates to this website as warranted.