Shelter-in-place lifted in Benicia after refinery fire
The Benicia Fire Department has contained a fire at the Valero refinery.
Large flames could be seen rising from a building at the refinery. Local fire officials did issue a shelter-in-place for the neighborhoods near the refinery. The shelter-in-place did include Robert Semple Elementary School. School officials said they were sheltering as a precaution and their students were not in immediate danger.
The Bay Area Air District has issued an advisory for the area around the refinery neighborhoods downwind. Benicia fire officials say they are requesting drone air monitoring from the Solano County Hazardous Materials Response Team.
Officials with the Benicia Fire Department said no one was hurt in the fire. It was contained just before 11 a.m. on Monday.
The refinery has been in Benicia for the last 50 years. In late April Valero Energy Corporation announced the refinery could close by the end of April 2026.