Flaring at Martinez refinery triggered grass fire over the weekend, officials say

ABC7 Bay Area Digital Staff Image
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Flaring at Martinez refinery triggered grass fire, officials say
Air quality district officials on Monday issued more violation notices against Martinez Refining Company after flaring triggered a grass fire.

MARTINEZ, Calif. (KGO) -- The Bay Area Air Quality Management District on Monday issued more violation notices against Martinez Refining Company after flaring triggered a grass fire over the weekend.

The notices include air quality violations, public nuisance and an illegal fire on a no burn day.

RELATED: More flaring reported at Martinez Refinery; health advisory issued due to chemical odor

The refinery issued a Level 1 alert after the heat of a flare sparked the fire

Air quality district officials questioned if the grass fire was the sole cause of the blaze, based on observations of a thick, dark smoke plume.

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