Flames from Torrance refinery were safety procedure, not disaster

TORRANCE, Calif. (KABC) -- Flames seen shooting out of the ExxonMobil refinery in Torrance turned out to be a safety procedure, not a disaster, fire officials said.

The refinery on Del Amo Boulevard between Crenshaw Boulevard and Maple Avenue lost power at around 12 a.m. Several production units had to be restarted and the procedure often causes flaring, fire officials said.

The burn-off fire temporarily shut down operations at the facility overnight, but things are up and running again.

Fire crews stayed on site until about 2 a.m. to keep an eye on possible flare-ups. They say there is no threat to the community.

City News Service contributed to this report.