Hazmat crews respond to Torrance ExxonMobil refinery for massive flaring

TORRANCE, Calif. (KABC) -- Hazmat crews investigated a massive flaring at a refinery in Torrance that was caused by an electrical disturbance on Wednesday, according to officials.

Torrance firefighters responded to the ExxonMobil refinery just before 6 p.m. after the flaring began.

Southern California Edison said a Mylar balloon hit a power line in the Torrance area, causing a "system disturbance" which resulted in a voltage dip.

"Operations were interrupted, so they can't just hit a button and shut the flow off of everything. So they divert the hydrocarbon to the flares," Battalion Chief Bob Millea with the Torrance Fire Department explained.

Fire crews monitored air quality levels in the area as the flame continued to burn. Some residents have been calling for the plants closure after an explosion occurred in February 2015.

ABC7 viewers reported seeing Wednesday's massive flaring from miles away.

The intersections of Crenshaw Boulevard and 190th Street, and Crenshaw Boulevard and Del Amo Boulevard had street barriers added for safety.

The all-clear was given around 2 a.m. Thursday, and all roads have since reopened.