A fire at the Valero Refinery in Benicia, California, is once again highlighting the ongoing dangers posed by oil refinery operations. On the heels of this incident, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) issued several violations, including excessive emissions and public nuisance violations. The agency cited elevated levels of toxic pollutants that affected nearby communities. Residents in Benicia, Martinez, and Alameda reported the effects of smoke, prompting a 90-minute shelter-in-place order. While no injuries were immediately reported, the release of hazardous chemicals raises serious questions about long-term health consequences and legal accountability.
At Kherkher Garcia, our attorneys understand the devastating impact chemical exposure can have on individuals and families. In this guide, our chemical injury attorneys explore the dangers of oil refinery fires, the hazards of toxic pollutants, the history of Valero incidents, and most importantly, what workers and residents can do to protect their rights.
Valero Benicia Refinery Fire Prompts Violations and Community Concerns
A recent fire at Valero’s Benicia refinery has led to multiple violations from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. The agency issued notices citing excessive emissions and public nuisance violations after smoke from the blaze impacted air quality in nearby communities, including Benicia, Martinez, and as far south as Alameda. Residents reported the incident through ten formal complaints, and air district monitoring detected heightened levels of hazardous pollutants such as fine particulate matter, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and alkanes.
This refinery fire adds to growing concerns about the safety of operations in the region, especially following Valero’s recent announcement that it may idle or shut down refining operations at the Benicia facility by April 2026. As investigations continue, affected residents may have legal grounds to pursue action for exposure to harmful emissions and disruption to daily life.
The Hazards of Oil Refinery Fires
Oil refineries handle highly flammable and hazardous chemicals under high pressure and heat. When something goes wrong – whether due to equipment failure, human error, or negligence – the consequences can be catastrophic. Refinery fires can cause:
- Explosions
- Toxic smoke plumes
- Widespread air pollution
- Groundwater and soil contamination
- Serious injuries or deaths
Even if fires are quickly extinguished, the release of chemicals into the air can cause immediate and long-term health issues, especially for vulnerable populations, such as children, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
History of Valero Incidents
The Benicia refinery is no stranger to scrutiny. Valero Energy Corp., one of the largest refiners in the U.S., has faced multiple safety and environmental violations over the years:
- 2024: Valero notified the California Energy Commission that it may cease refining operations in Benicia by April 2026, which may raise further concerns about safety protocols during wind-down operations.
- 2022: Valero was fined for failing to report elevated benzene emissions from the Benicia refinery.
- 2019: The refinery was shut down temporarily for maintenance and investigation due to process upsets and air quality issues.
- 2017: A power outage led to an uncontrolled flaring event, sending black smoke into the air for hours. The air district cited Valero for violations and residents reported health impacts.
These events reveal an ongoing pattern that underscores the need for strong regulatory enforcement and legal oversight to protect both workers and local communities. The Benicia refinery is also not the only Valero refinery to face backlash for chemical release. In March, 2025, the Corpus Christi refinery was the subject of concern after chemicals were released into nearby neighborhoods.
Toxic Pollutants Released in the Benicia Fire
According to the BAAQMD, the Benicia fire released several dangerous pollutants. Each of these poses serious health risks:
Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
These microscopic particles are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Health effects include:
- Respiratory irritation and inflammation
- Worsening of asthma and bronchitis
- Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes
- Developmental issues in children
Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is linked to lung cancer and premature death.
Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)
This colorless gas smells like rotten eggs and is highly toxic even at low concentrations. Exposure can cause:
- Eye and throat irritation
- Respiratory distress
- Headaches, nausea, and dizziness
- At high levels: unconsciousness, coma, or death
Repeated low-level exposure may lead to neurological damage.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)
A pungent gas that reacts with other chemicals in the air to form harmful compounds. Health effects include:
- Burning of the nose and throat
- Breathing difficulties
- Triggering of asthma attacks
- Long-term exposure may cause chronic lung disease
Alkanes (Methane, Propane, Butane, etc.)
These hydrocarbons are components of crude oil and natural gas. While some are less toxic, inhalation of high concentrations can cause:
- Headaches
- Dizziness and nausea
- Central nervous system depression
- Asphyxiation in confined spaces
Alkanes also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a key component of smog.
What Can Workers and Residents Do to Protect Their Rights?
If you were affected by the recent Benicia refinery fire, or any other chemical release incident, it is crucial to take steps to document your experience and protect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you don’t feel symptoms right away, exposure to toxic chemicals can have delayed health effects. Keep records of all medical visits and diagnoses.
- Report the Incident: Notify your local health department or environmental agency.
- Document Everything:
- Keep a journal of symptoms, odors, and disruptions.
- Take photos or videos of visible smoke or damage.
- Record conversations with employers or first responders.
- Save copies of news articles and shelter-in-place alerts.
- Consult with a Chemical Injury Attorney: A qualified attorney can help you understand whether you have a claim for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Environmental cleanup
- Long-term health monitoring
At Kherkher Garcia, our team has extensive experience holding corporations accountable for chemical releases, refinery fires, and toxic exposure.
Why Choose Kherkher Garcia for Chemical Injury Claims?
We understand the complexities of environmental law, chemical exposure cases, and the science behind toxic injuries. Our firm works with medical experts, environmental engineers, and industrial safety professionals to build strong, evidence-based claims.
We fight for maximum compensation and have a track record of success against large oil and energy corporations. If you or a loved one has been affected by the Valero fire, or any other refinery incident, we can help you pursue justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Refinery Fire Injuries
What are common symptoms of chemical exposure from a refinery fire?
Symptoms vary depending on the chemicals involved but may include coughing, shortness of breath, headaches, eye or skin irritation, fatigue, and nausea. Long-term effects may not appear for months or even years.
Can I sue the refinery if I live nearby and was affected by the smoke?
Yes. If the refinery’s negligence caused a release of harmful chemicals that affected your health, safety, or property, you may be entitled to compensation. These are often called toxic tort or nuisance claims.
What if I was told there were no injuries, but I still feel sick?
Refinery operators often downplay the impact of an incident. You should always trust your own symptoms and seek medical attention. You do not have to accept the company’s version of events if you are experiencing real health effects.
How long do I have to file a claim?
This depends on your state’s statute of limitations, but in most cases, you have two years from the date of injury or discovery. It’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and begin building your case.
What if I’m a refinery worker? Can I file a lawsuit too?
Injured workers may be eligible for workers’ compensation, but in some cases, you may also have a third-party claim if the fire was caused by defective equipment or outside contractors. We can help evaluate all your legal options.
Take Action after a Refinery Fire
The Valero Benicia refinery fire is a stark reminder of the risks posed by industrial operations in residential areas. Whether you are a refinery worker or a local resident, you have the right to live and work in a safe environment. If those rights have been violated, you may be entitled to justice and financial compensation.
At Kherkher Garcia, we are committed to holding corporations accountable and protecting the health and well-being of our communities. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. You don’t pay unless we win your case.
If you were exposed to harmful chemicals during the Valero refinery fire or any other industrial incident, don’t wait. Call Kherkher Garcia now at 713-333-1030. You can also reach out to us by submitting our online contact form.
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