Saturday’s blaze at the Martinez oil refinery belched over half a ton of sulphur dioxide (SO2) into the atmosphere. The noxious fumes triggered a Level 2 Hazmat alert that progressed to Level 3. Residents nearby received warnings to seal doors and windows as they shelter in place until further notice.

An enormous explosion and firey streak were seen in the sky over San Francisco on Tuesday evening at approximately 5:40pm.  The explosion and resulting clouds were so bright they were witnessed as far away as Southern California, and all the way to Lake Tahoe.  Thousands of observers posted images, video and