Contra Costa County health officials say the community near the Martinez Refining Company was fortunate when a fire broke out earlier this month, but they are urging precautions to prevent future incidents.

Contra Costa County Health Officer Dr. Ori Tzvieli on Tuesday revealed how fortunate the Martinez community was on Feb. 1, and how close the refinery fire was to becoming a public health crisis.

Contra Costa County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston on Tuesday called for a full facility audit of Martinez Refining Company after a large explosion and fire at the facility prompted surrounding communities to shelter in place Saturday.

Contra Costa County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston yesterday called for a full facility audit of Martinez Refining Company after a large explosion and fire at the facility prompted surrounding communities to shelter in place Saturday.

Contra Costa County officials have lifted a shelter-in-place order that was placed after a fire erupted Saturday at the Martinez Refining Co., injuring at least six people.

A fire broke out amid flaring at the Martinez oil refinery on Saturday afternoon, leading to a public health advisory from for residents in the Martinez area.

A large fire broke out Saturday at the Martinez Refining Company, injuring six workers and spewing smoke into the region. Contra Costa Health has not yet lifted the

Authorities on Wednesday identified two motorists who died in crashes in Contra Costa County earlier this month. A one-car wreck on northbound Interstate 680 on Monday killed 25-year-old Shelby Sherman,