Valero Refinery Flares Due To Power Outage, Prompting Evacuations Downwind
BENICIA (CBS13) - The latest on a flaring incident at the Valero refinery in Benicia:
9:15 a.m.
Authorities say power was restored to the refinery at 8:35 a.m.
A shelter in place remained in effect for students at the nearby Tuner and Semple elementary schools.
Vallero officials tell KPIX-TV that the outage was due to a "power disruption" with PG&E.
Benicia Refinery burning off harmful chemicals and NOT notifying neighboring residents and businesses to evacuate. pic.twitter.com/gfKcpz8cCU
— The Li'ili'i Things (@theliiliithings) May 5, 2017
8:14 a.m.
A power outage is causing flaring and smoke to come from the Valero refinery in Benicia Friday morning, officials say.
It is unclear what's causing the power outage, but officials from the refinery say there is no cause for concern.
Police are advising any people or businesses downwind from the Valero refinery to evacuate and avoid the area for the time being.
Valero Refinery is experiencing a power outage. This is causing flaring & smoke from the stacks. Valero has advised no cause for concern.
— Benicia Police Department (@BeniciaPD) May 5, 2017
Any business/structure down wind from the Valero should evacuate and avoid the area.
— Benicia Police Department (@BeniciaPD) May 5, 2017
Benicia police are also advising the rest of town to shelter in place and keep windows and doors closed. Two Benicia schools, Robert Semple and Matthew Tuener, have been advised to shelter in place.