Saturday’s blaze at the Martinez oil refinery belched over half a ton of sulphur dioxide (SO2) into the atmosphere. The noxious fumes triggered a Level 2 Hazmat alert that progressed to Level 3. Residents nearby received warnings to seal doors and windows as they shelter in place until further notice.

Parts of Richmond, North Richmond and San Pablo are under a public health advisory Tuesday afternoon due an “incident” at the Chevron Richmond Refinery. The Contra Costa County Community Warning System notified impacted residents just before 4 p.m., warning that individuals with respiratory sensitivities are at most risk of adverse