The Chevron Fire Department (CFD) based at the Richmond refinery was among the fire agencies dispatched to support the battle against the devastating Greater Los Angeles wildfires, and it played a unique role in the effort.
One of the nation’s largest industrial fire departments, a six-member CFD crew responded to the Chevron Van Nuys terminal with engines and foam tenders to help the Chevron El Segundo Fire Department protect it from the Palisades Fire. Thankfully, the fire did not reach the terminal, but the CFD crews were prepared and ready to act, according to Chevron.
CFD was also dispatched to provide mutual aid in response to the Vistra Energy fire in Moss Landing.
CFD is a 24/7 fire service maintaining all aspects of emergency response and fire safety and prevention services within the Richmond refinery, and also out in the community. The fire department is uniquely equipped and trained to respond to chemical fires and spills at industrial facilities, locally and throughout the state.
“We’re emergency responders. Whether it is at the refinery, in the Richmond community, or supporting other parts of the state,” said CFD Chief Scott Joseph. “We’ve got the training and equipment to help and we’re going to do that when it’s needed.”
In addition to the CFD’s support, Chevron sent nearly 100,000 N95 masks to El Segundo to be distributed to the community. Chevron additionally announced a $1 million donation to the California Fire Foundation, American National Red Cross, and the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund to support relief efforts.
“I’m always proud to work at Chevron because of our people and this is just another example of how we come together to support our colleagues and our communities,” said Chevron Richmond Refinery Director Tolly Graves.
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