"Investigators were looking at how a small, seemingly insignificant leak at one of the country's biggest oil refineries quickly unraveled into an intense fire that sent acrid black smoke into the sky and hundreds of people to hospitals with health complaints."
"The leak started as a drip at about 4:15 p.m. Monday, officials said. Chevron — which is required to 'immediately' notify the public of any gas leak, fire or oil spill, according to state law — did not consider it an immediate danger to residents nearby.
'At that point in time, there really wasn't anything we could advise the community to do,' said Mark Ayers, the refinery's fire chief. 'We surely wouldn't advise anybody to shelter in place.'"
Jason Dearen and Terry Collins report for the Associated Press August 8, 2012.
SEE ALSO:
"Chevron Eyes Refinery Repair After Fire; Gasoline Jumps" (Reuters)
Advertisement 
